I have some personal statistics. 6 years of flu shots without ever getting the flu. 8 years with no shots and had the flu about 50% of the time. The last 2 years of shots with no flu and 3 weeks ago with the latest shot that made me feel like I had the flu for about 6 days.
So for me, 50% chance of getting the flu without the shots. 100% immune with the shots until this year when it wiped me out.
I get a flu shot every year. It gives me a sore arm, a runny nose for a few days, and never get a cold. 20 years of flu shots every year, and 20 straight years of no colds. Im a big supporter of the flu shots.
Wow, you got the flu right after the shot? Were you in any way ill when you got it?
My personal statistics are that I've never had the flu in 40-something years (knock on wood). I have only taken a flu shot for the last 3 or 4 years. They sometimes make my arm ache, but I've never have any other symptoms from the vaccine. This year my company will not be getting any flu vaccines, so unless extra doses turn up after the mad rush subsides, I won't get to take a shot this year.
Why do some people seem to get it every year and then people like me never or rarely get it?