So, anyone getting the flu shot?

[cougarnurse]

Reason I ask is I saw the following article: Most health workers skip flu shot - USATODAY.com

DES MOINES — Operating room nurse Pauline Taylor knows her refusal to get a flu shot is based on faulty logic.

But ever since she got sick after getting a shot a few years ago, she's sworn off the vaccine.
"I rarely get sick. The only thing I could narrow it down to is that I had gotten this shot," said Taylor, who works at University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. "I know that it's not a live virus. It just seemed pretty coincidental."

I just refuse on principle.

[cali510]

I used to get flu shots religiously, but don't plan to get one again unless I have to. A couple of years ago I was employed by a major provider of flu shot clinics. We were encouraged to get the shot. I attended a public clinic because my boss wouldn't let me get the shots in the office. I got the flu shot and the pneumonia vaccination. A question arose when I noted mistakes on the receipt for the pneumonia shot, so I had to consult a doctor. They told me they would give me a refund of my fee but then refused to do so. I don't work for them anymore. I never got my money. I have to be revaccinated at my expense and I'm quite perturbed about it. Everyone should be very alert and careful about what they get at a public clinic. I naively trusted the RN to do it right. Now I know better and no more shots for me.

[AmandaWIRN]

I got mine last week- get it every year. Cat, why do you refuse on principle??? What principle are you talking about??? The one where you protect yourself from all the sick people you come in contact with, or the one where you protect your elderly & immunosuppressed patients from all the germs you're carrying around?

[cougarnurse]

Actually, I have found that, the older I get, the more reaction I get from shots. Also, I seem to have one heck of an immune system, anyhow. If and when I do get sick, it takes alot to get me there.

Seeing that we never know for certain what strain is going to be prevalant....

I do believe I'd had a decent conversation with Aaron about this at one time.

[cougarnurse]

An after thought add-on: Maybe it's due to all the antibacterial fall-out, also. Having grown up when playing in dirt was not a big problem, maybe that helped. Who knows?

[AmandaWIRN]

Even if you have an excellent immune system, you can still carry the flu virus around, and pass it on to your patients, even if you don't have any symptoms. As health care providers, I think it's our responsibility to do what we can to protect our patients....

[cougarnurse]

Thanks, but I'll still pass on the thing. As mentioned before, the whole anti-bacterial hoopla has sorta blown up in our faces, so why push it further?

[SoldierNurse]

In my position, unable to refuse. However, I can opt out on the flu nasal mist. Heck of a lot better than IM deltoid.

snort-snort

[LivingDeadNurse]

okay don't believe in the flu shot. i had to get it every year for the army. i always got sick. at least the next 3 days after the shot. so i don't get it. my mom works in ILL and she was telling me that the hospital requires you to get one or u have t wear a mask while you work. i think that it unconstitutional to do that. it should be our choice. it wouldn't be any different than family memebers to come in and visit. plus even if you get the flu shot there are always different strains you can still get. so either way your still play a lottery game of getting the flu

[cougarnurse]

Thanks, LivingDead! I was thinking the same thing: different strains, plus the families....