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[deleted] t1_j5lr3v0 wrote

Reply to comment by Baka_Penguin in FDA wants to simplify the use and updating of Covid-19 vaccines by joshemerson

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seatownquilt-N-plant t1_j5lsdar wrote

Depending on how old you are, flu vaccines used to be less available and only suggested for at risk populations, or healthcare workers.

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sudoku7 t1_j5ltdwm wrote

Just to share the story of when I decided to start getting the flu shot regularly. Not to judge or anything, just to share my story.

I had gotten the flu a few times before, but honestly, felt like "well, it's only x effective anyway, I'm going to get sick anyway." that normal spiel. Well, this changed at one point at my job. My working space was such that a few of our coworkers were sick-buddies effectively. If any of us got sick, the others would be getting sick. Sure, we should take sick time off, but by the time you feel bad enough to do it, well, you've already spread it. Happens. Again, no real judgement there.

Well, then one of my coworkers had a kid, and it was really close to the start of flu season and I just thought "If I get sick, I'm going to get him sick, and then he'll get his kid sick." And I didn't want that. Sure the vaccine is only whatever percentage effective, but that's just more likely not to get my coworker's newborn sick with the flu.

Now, that's an anecdote, and honestly one without much veracity in terms of if it was effective or not.

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Imaginary_Medium t1_j5lwdi6 wrote

I never got them for years. I was about your age and quite healthy. Caught flu, almost died in the ER. Spent days in the hospital and was put on oxygen for most of it. Got a giant bill that took forever to pay off. Now I get the shot every year.

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[deleted] t1_j5lwwbd wrote

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Imaginary_Medium t1_j5m2zfw wrote

You're welcome. I know what you mean about one health crisis making you rethink a few things.

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potatodog247 t1_j5ly7dh wrote

I was a healthy 40 year old who competed in obstacle course races and 5ks and such. Randomly found out in a blood test that I have an autoimmune issue and the flu (and later, covid) could send me to the hospital. I was never a flu vaccine person before, and to be honest, I did not know how serious the flu was before covid came along. I had no idea people die from the flu! So now I’m an annual flu shot, covid shot person.

I do hope you will continue to listen and protect yourself in the future. :)

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