Every fall, most Americans are strongly urged to get flu shots. Medically speaking, how effective are the vaccines?

2017-09-29T21:34:37-04:00

I've been getting flu shots for years. About every fifth year or so, I get sick, in spite of the shot. I've been pretty lucky, however, warding off the full-blown flu by drugging myself up and drowning in Vitamin C and chicken soup! But is the flu shot all that it's cracked up to be? This article was a huge eye-opener for me!!!

https://www.vox.com/2015/10/14/9521807/flu-shot-vaccine-effectiveness

How well do flu shots work? Here’s what the science says.

The flu vaccine isn't always effective — but that doesn't mean you should skip the shot.

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Sep 29 at 2017 9:46 PM

2017-09-29T21:46:15-04:00

effective rate between 40 to 60% seem worth it if you do the best you can to avoid human congested areas whenever possible, beats large medical bill if you have to visit the ER or get sick enough to be hospitalize.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Sep 29 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-09-29T21:47:07-04:00

very effective i get the flu every time

Response by COL Dwight Springer made Sep 30 at 2017 2:47 AM

2017-09-30T02:47:13-04:00

I get the flu shot (almost) every year. I know it doesn't prevent all flu by a long shot, but it does help some of the time. There is little down side to getting the shot and it might just help. I got my 2017-2018 season shot this past afternoon. Now I hope I get through another flu season with little or no flu symptoms.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Sep 30 at 2017 2:17 PM

2017-09-30T14:17:39-04:00

I stopped getting the flu shot when i retired and i stopped getting sick.

Response by Cpl Jaqui McCree made Jan 29 at 2020 6:52 PM

2020-01-29T18:52:55-05:00

The Flu shot is deadly scam.

Response by SSgt Ronald L Chancey made Jan 29 at 2020 8:37 PM

2020-01-29T20:37:40-05:00

I’m told the flu shot this year is only 30-40% effective because the virus mutates from year to year. So I play the odds and don’t get shot.

Response by PFC Ronald Renfro made Jan 29 at 2020 9:36 PM

2020-01-29T21:36:11-05:00

When your nearly 70, your body can't fight the Flu as easy as it could when your under 40

Response by PO1 Johnny Jacobs made Jan 30 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-01-30T11:59:51-05:00

The flu shots are available for vets at Walgreens Drugs. The VA won't pay for the "Senior's" vaccine though, only for the one for everyone else. As a senior (67 years old) I feel that I should be able to get the "Senior" flu shot. I did get the one they would pay for though, but felt I was getting screwed over on that deal. The other option was to drive the 96 mile round trip to the VAMC and get the shot. Just my .02.

Response by Sgt Joy Cameron made Jan 30 at 2020 12:51 PM

2020-01-30T12:51:58-05:00

Every time I got the flu shot in the military I got sick. Haven't had the shot since 09'. Haven't gotten sick anymore. That shot is poison.