Did you get your flu shot?

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:29:56 -0400

Got mine today, on post at Fort Meade, for free. Did you get yours?

VOTE HERE!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 7:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:29:29 -0400

Nope.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 7:33 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:33:28 -0400

I got mine. My insurance covers it!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 7:35 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:35:55 -0400

Will be doing unit wide SHOTEX in a couple days

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 15 at 2014 7:44 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:44:09 -0400

Actually haven't gotten a flu shot since I retired. I know I probably should, but it's just such a hassle since retirees have to have an appointment.
EDIT.. just checked and there are having a shot clinic for retirees and dependents on the 24th, so I guess I'll try to get 'er done then; hopefully it won't be a madhouse! LOL!

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 15 at 2014 8:18 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 20:18:58 -0400

The last time I had the flu shot was 2001 until 2011. I didn't want one then, but the VA doc said, "We're going to give you a flu shot." I said no, and he told me that he was going to order it, so I had to take it.
At the time, I did not realize that I had the choice. And I got sick. I've had doctors, nurses, and others tell me that "the flu shot doesn't make you sick!" But the only time I've ever gotten sick is when I get the flu shot. Go figure.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 22:37:55 -0400

I get one every year, 2 weeks ago in fact. At Ft. Stewart today was day 1 of our Annual PODEX - Drive Thru Flu Vaccination. Every year in October we establish an out-door drive thru clinic for two days. Last year we vaccinated 2000, Family Members, Retirees, and DA employees over the 2 day period. This event has become very popular since we began in 2008.

It also serves as a major relief for the vaccination clinic in the hospital itself. Screening, vaccination, and computerized records upload in 10 minutes.

Fortunately a cool front came thru last night and temps were in the high 70s today. Last year temps were in the mid 90s and made for 2 very long days!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 15 at 2014 11:45 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 23:45:11 -0400

I didn't, and I don't....and I never get the flu. The Army made me get one once...guess what? Yep. Flu. From then on, when it was time, I dutifully walked in the front door of the medic shack, rolled up my sleeve, and walked out the other door holding a cotton ball on my arm. Nobody ever caught on, and I never got the flu again.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 16 at 2014 6:15 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 06:15:52 -0400

Way to go!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 6:43 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 06:43:09 -0400

I usually get one every year but I haven't yet. Plan on getting it in the upcoming months.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 16 at 2014 8:02 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 08:02:50 -0400

Despite having been told for all of my adult life that "the flu shot can't make you sick, the virus is dead, etc.", it affects me out for 3-5 days EVERY SINGLE TIME. In fact, in the past, I have scheduled getting my shot so that I could afford to be under the weather for the following week (either before a 4 day weekend, or when I didn't have demanding duties in my civilian job the following week), because I hate taking sick leave.

I get the shot every year, because there is invariably an order published by big army (or at least the USAR) that requires it, and I do not qualify for an exemption. It is neither illegal nor immoral, so up my sleeve goes. I usually get the shot at my civilian workplace. This year, once the order is published (haven't seen or heard of one so far - maybe it's different for AC), I'll do it once again and be sick again. The only difference is that I won't have to burn sick leave...

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Oct 16 at 2014 8:23 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 08:23:42 -0400

Just had a mandatory flu shot this morning. I sincerely hope that I don't feel like poo all weekend.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 8:55 AM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 08:55:06 -0400

Even though i never had the Flu and never had a Flu shot before joining the military, i work in Medical as a Corpsman so i know the importance of being protected even though i have a vary strong immune system.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 16 at 2014 11:41 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 11:41:47 -0400

I do not trust what we may or may not be injecting into ourselves, the Military has been known to experiment on its soldiers and use them as lab rats on a large scale, they are ran by the Government, so I ask you why should I trust a flue shot as a civilian if a soldier cant trust one?? I was appalled (still am) at the amount of meds the VA tries to shove down Vets throats and have had many heated discussions with intern clowns who will tell me that I must not be in as much pain as I say I am if I refuse their narcotics. I have 6 crushed vertebrae, calcium has grown around the L-5 nerve crushing it, my right hip is destroyed and is shoved up into the socket, my right ham string is ripped off( the outer one.There are three on each side). I have days where I scream from pain, but still refuse to become a drug addict like so many have already become.

Response by PO2 David Cook made Oct 16 at 2014 11:59 AM

PO2 David Cook — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 11:59:50 -0400

I always get mine. I work at the VA hospital in Tucson and I get it not for my protection but for the protection of the veteran patients I serve everyday. By me staying healthy I hopefully wont pass anything on to them when their immune system may be weak.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 3:13 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 15:13:01 -0400

The flu shot may "make you sick" temporarily, but I would rather have the minor side effect than the flu that the shot is protecting from. Also, people don't realize that it's not just about protecting themselves, but also those around them who may be exposed if they do catch the real flu.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 16 at 2014 4:48 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:48:08 -0400

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member I received mine while at a VA appointment yesterday.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 5:39 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 17:39:16 -0400

Not only do we have to, but its just a smart thing to get. Definitely do not want to spread it around to others who cannot fight the virus off like most of us can.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 5:42 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 17:42:33 -0400

Our unit gives them out every fall. It's not optional.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 16 at 2014 5:55 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 17:55:53 -0400

Yesterday...my shoulder still hurts.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Oct 16 at 2014 6:03 PM

Cpl Chris Rice — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 18:03:13 -0400

I think it is sad that when it comes to the flu shot they do not explain the side effects very well. They like to say it will not make you sick, and what they need to say is it will not give you the flu. If you feel kind of crappy, but still make it into work, you probably do not have the flu. Also it takes two weeks for immunity to mature, and often times people will get the flu the next day, this is not the exposure that infected them.

I will be getting mine as soon as a free option comes available; which is any day now.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 6:31 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 18:31:05 -0400

I do not have time to waste on fighting the flu... I have places to go and people to see

Response by Maj Tony Lucas made Oct 16 at 2014 8:25 PM

Maj Tony Lucas — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 20:25:10 -0400

got the tdap again too because the flu shot by itself just wasn't fun enough

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 10:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 22:33:33 -0400

Kinda mandatory for us to get one!

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 16 at 2014 11:11 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 23:11:31 -0400

People i started getting the flu shot my 2nd year in the Corps 1976 on Okinawa back in the day about 30 minutes after you got the shot you started having flu like symptoms that lasted under a day because they gave you a small taste of the actual flu, then you were good to go................they improved the shot over the years now they don't infect you so its kool............

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 17 at 2014 2:45 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:45:22 -0400

Required at work. However they are short in doses so not yet.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 2:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 14:04:26 -0400

A shot? I wish! We recently got our annual up-the-nose flu mist, and it sucked as usual. That mist stuff tastes awful, burns my throat, and makes me congested. I'd much rather have a shot than the mist.

Oh well, at least I'm good for another year so I'm thankful for that!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 9:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:56:54 -0400

I tried to get it today and was turned away because my unit wasn't 90% completed yet. Only to go to the aid station TWICE mind you and no one was there!!! But bets believe I'll be at my aid station bright and early on Monday to get it. Can't afford to get sick and pass it onto my wife and kid

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 10:25 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 22:25:31 -0400

I think I had a one day flu last Monday. I felt miserable... like I was gunna die. Actually I'm surprised they haven't scheduled us to get our shots yet... I feel like we should have had it by now.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 26 at 2014 3:10 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:10:27 -0400

Ooops thought my vote response showed up along with my posting..Hell no it got me sick every single one of the 26 years I was required to get it....Especially now that I am retired and DON'T have to get it!!

***No getting the shot for me***

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Oct 26 at 2014 3:14 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:14:59 -0400

I did not get mine a few weeks ago when I had my annual VA Physical even though it was offered. It was only 2 days before our departure for our vacation in Russian and I know I feel a little sick from the shot for about a week afterwards. So I got mine on return.

I also always take a couple of Tylenol prior to and then for a few days after getting the flu shot. It does seem to help. Since I am over 65 they give me an extra strength one, I wonder if it is really necessary or helpful. Anyone really know?

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Oct 26 at 2014 3:19 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:19:47 -0400

Got mine a couple of weeks ago with my annual physical. Work in healthcare so it's even more important.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 3:20 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:20:14 -0400

I have no thoughts. I am shallow and narcissistic. :) word!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 3:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:53:56 -0400

Hard to believe a 'flu shot' will protect me, I had to take it while I was in because it was mandatory and it made me sick each and every time. That being said I'll take my chances. If you're going to ask me to take a shot then protect from all the strains not just 3 or 4 and the types of strains in the shots depend on the hemisphere you live in. I've already received my pneumococcal vaccine due being diabetic, its good for 5 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 3:57 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:57:13 -0400

I have never gotten one and I know 'the man' wants that. :) Every time we get one, it makes GW Bush richer!! Okay I made that last part up, but I am sure actually believe that. haha

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 26 at 2014 4:07 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:07:48 -0400

Annually at the VA.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Oct 26 at 2014 4:57 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:57:24 -0400

Allergic to eggs...can't get it. Found that out on the last flu shot I got 25 years ago. On the bright side, I haven't had the flu in 25 years...Kanehora

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 9:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:02:27 -0400

I got mine!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 4:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:06:25 -0400

I did get it. It's mandatory. But I'd elect not to if it were not.

It's my understanding that healthy adults don't need it, and probably shouldn't get it, if only to keep the supply available for children, the aged, and those of poor health.

That said, I live in Dallas. I hope that the vaccine lottery is on the money this year and that more than the usual numbers of Dallasites get the shot. My thinking is that if it prevents the onset of "flulike symptoms" there will be far fewer scary headlines about possible, suspected, or potential ebola.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 12:22 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:22:20 -0400

Received shots, squared away!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:33:57 -0500

I didn't think you had a choice. The reserves forces us to take it every year. And every year I get sick from it. This despite the fact that the Doc insists that the flu shot cannot/will not make you sick. When I told him that I get sick from the flu shot, his reply was, "If you get sick after the flu shot, you were going to get sick anyway. It can take up to 10 days for the flu shot to become effective, so you were probably exposed to the flu before you got the shot". Being the smart-assed MAJ I am, I replied, "so you seriously expect me to believe that I have just happened to get exposed to the flu right before I take the flu shot for the last 11 years running? That is either on of the biggest coincidences EVER or I am one of the most unlucky guys around." Dude still insisted you cannot get sick from the flu shot.