flu shots

#1 10-07-2004, 11:44 AM

Who else thinks this is messed up..... most of them tainted causing a shortage and not being able to get one.

I would give up my flu shot for my son anyday!!

what are your feelings about this

valkyrie · #2 10-07-2004, 12:26 PM

I've never had a flu shot in my life, so I can't say it matters to me personally at all. I am, however, really tired of the fact that our local news spends about 10 minutes of every broadcast covering the flu shot shortage, complete with showing close ups of people getting shots. WTF?

Kevin · #3 10-07-2004, 01:55 PM

I get flu shots when I remember to do so.

I haven't had the flu since the 8th grade. I'll probably get exposed since the girlfriend is a teacher.

#4 10-07-2004, 05:39 PM

It's really hit or miss with me. I've received the flu shot here and there since junior high, and I still tend to get sick regardless. And in some years I don't get the shot, I tend to be generally healthy.

I feel bad for those who really need it, though. But you're right, they don't have to spend 10 minutes every night talking about the flu shot.

KSig RC · #5 10-07-2004, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cutiepatootie
Who else thinks this is messed up..... most of them tainted causing a shortage and not being able to get one.

I would give up my flu shot for my son anyday!!

what are your feelings about this

Depending on how old your son is, he may still have no problems getting one - they are apparently going to be 'rationed' to provide for infants and the elderly

aephi alum · #6 10-07-2004, 07:28 PM

The high-risk people who should get the flu shot are:

all children aged 6–23 months;
adults aged 65 years and older;
persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and
out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months

Everyone else is supposed to be discouraged from getting a shot, but they cannot be refused the shot if they insist.

Info from the CDC

I'm going to try to get a shot or the intranasal vaccine (which cannot be given to most people in the high-risk group anyway). I have enough contact with young children and senior citizens that I feel I am justified.

Anyone else agree with me that maybe it would be a good idea to have more than two groups making the flu shot??

KellyB369 · #7 10-07-2004, 08:11 PM

So I think this whole flu shot shortage is ridiculous. I mean why would they shut down two plants that make the shot? I haven't heard anything about them being tainted until reading this thread so maybe there are some facts I don't know.
Anyway, since there is a shortage I can understand the rationing. But what I don't understand is why I keep hearing commercials from Blue Cross Blue Shield about them giving out free shots to the people they insure. I mean hello, did they not get the memo that not everyone is supposed to get them?

AGDee · #8 10-08-2004, 11:05 PM

Every year they start announcing "Get your flu shots now!" and within a couple weeks, there is a shortage for some reason. You would think they would have more manufacturers making more serum. I think it's better to end up with too much than not enough.

I got mine yesterday, due to my "chronic medical condition" which requires me to be on massive immunosuppresants. My arm still hurts.

Dee

wrigley · #9 10-08-2004, 11:43 PM

The local grocery store that does flu shots had a sign up tonight saying that flu shots were cancelled for this year. I usually get one every year and it's worked for me. I'll try the intranasal option.

Aephi alum has a good point. What is the deal with only 2 companies making the vaccine.? Sounds like a place where jobs can be created if more companies were allowed to make it.

damasa · #10 10-09-2004, 12:12 AM

If you can get a shot this year I strongly recommend it.

I'm just getting over the flu (which I had for about a week) and I can't remember it being as bad as it was.

Munchkin03 · #11 10-09-2004, 05:08 PM

My "underlying chronic medical condition" requires it, so I'll probably get it soon.

Plus, I work in a dorm. I'm not going to fall victim to germy collegiates.

Peaches-n-Cream · #12 10-09-2004, 07:16 PM

I don't have an underlying medical condition, but I want the flu shot. I have had the flu, and it is brutal. I really want to avoid it this year.

tinydancer · #13 10-09-2004, 07:58 PM

Our school nurse had to cancel our shots so I will have to find it somewhere else. Working in a school and having chronic respiratrory problems makes it sorta important to have one, even though I hate shots!!

valkyrie · #14 10-09-2004, 08:25 PM

I thought more companies don't make the vaccine because there's not a lot of money to be made in flu vaccines. I don't think it's an issue of companies not being allowed to make it.

Jill1228 · #15 10-09-2004, 11:23 PM

If I have one more person call the store I work at and ask about flu shots, I will scream!

My doc wants me to get one but I am a chickenshit when it comes to needles