I got a flu shot today, as I have for the past several years. Yes, it’s true that some years the doctors miss it altogether and put the wrong strains in the vaccine, but most years they get it right, and even when they miss it, the vaccine gives you some protection. In 16 of the 19 flu seasons prior to the 2007-2008 season, they got it right.
I thought it was particularly important we get the shot this year, because if we get the flu we would have to ship the kids off to their grandparents if we didn’t want them to get the flu. Liam is too young to get a flu shot, and Luke didn’t get one because his pediatrician recommended against it. His reasoning was that the downsides equaled the upsides, making it a toss up. I’m not entirely happy with that explanation, and will be better informed when it comes time to make the decision next year. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend kids over 6 months of age get it.
This year, I considered the mist version of the vaccine instead of a shot. Ultimately I decided to get the shot, for a few reasons. Studies show no definitive advantage of one over the other. Since the mist uses live viruses it’s possible, though unlikely, that you could give someone else the flu after you get the vaccine. In fact, because of this risk, health care workers aren’t allowed to use the mist. I couldn’t risk giving it to Luke or Liam. Also, the shot is cheaper. In fact, since I got the shot from my doctor during a regular checkup, it was free.
I was curious how my doctor was able to offer flu shots for free. I’m assuming it’s funded by the federal government. That’s the only explanation that makes sense, but I haven’t been able to find anything on the Internet to back that up.