[traditionalist]

Only if you get last year's flu. The vaccine generally doesn't cover the latest and greatest incarnation of the virus.

Another myth exploded in the article. The vaccines are usually up to date. Sometimes they might ommit some strain, but even if that happens, the antibodies you get in the shot will make the effects of the new strain less severe.

There is absolutely no excuse not to get a shot. Get thee to a clinic and get one. If you're afraid of needles, such it up.

A lot of companies provide them free of charge to employees because they find it reduces the number of sick days taken.

[webstersII]

"the antibodies you get in the shot will make the effects of the new strain less severe"

This is only a theory and has not been proven because no one wants to be in the control group. It sounds good, though.

[Domestic Church]

If SARs comes back world wide, as 50% of the epidemiologists think will happen, having a flu shot will probably get testing for SARs and treatment quicker. Given that there is only an additional 3000 respirators in federal backstock (and hospitals use all their on hand respirators with the normal winter flu/pneumonia season), I'd rather be able to tell the Doc I've had the flu shot and have them be able to consider SARs and treat me fast before the respirators run out.

I've never had a flu shot before and I do have an over reactive immune system. I also work on a med surg floor part time so I would be exposed to flu for sure. I got the shot last week and had No Reaction.

[cogitator]

Thanks for your efforts to educate the uninformed and ignorant on this thread.