# Got Your Flu Shot? 40% say, "No, Thanks." **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 15, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208 "2018-12-15T23:17:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/61 "2018-12-17T00:31:47Z")
> [@DinoR](#): > > I have generally avoided them when it wasn’t mandatory. In the National Guard pre 9-11 we frequently weren’t provided enough for everyone so I could still opt out most years. > > My reason is how I react. Back in high school, I saw an allergist after struggling with being sick often during my youth. While she found some mild exposure allergies other tests also showed what she summarized as my immune system overreacting a bit. I just felt worse when I picked up relatively minor bugs. > > Immunizations generally make me feel sick. I’ve been absolutely miserable in response and I’ve gotten a lot of vaccinations as an adult including things like smallpox this millenium. Mostly I deal with it for the benefit. Tetanus vaccine practically guarantees I’ll be miserable but it was never optional. It also made cost-benefit sense to me. The protection was worth the occasional booster. > > Flu shots haven’t made sense for me when they were optional. I’ve missed school or work as a result of flu shots. 2-3 days of misery and low grade fever is my normal response, even when I don’t stay home sick. The vaccine also hit and miss at providing protection against the strains I might be exposed to. While I might be at more risk for the strains that severely affect the healthy, my risk from other strains is lower than average since I am generally fit and healthy. There’s just not enough of an upside to choose to be injected with that needle full of suffering. > > I suspect more people would decline if they had my reaction to the shot. Of course they would. And no one in this thread has a problem with people in your situation declining the shot. ---
**Author:** ![nonacetone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nonacetone/32/2819_2.png) [@nonacetone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nonacetone)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/62 "2018-12-17T01:20:52Z")
I’m diabetic. When my husband’s insurance was Blue Cross, I got the flu shot every year, without fail. Now, his company went to a different insurance. United Healthcare. I am no longer able to get a flu shot, except at the doctor’s office. I must make an appointment for that to happen. I don’t understand why the insurance company wants to pay more for me to see the doctor, and get a flu shot, than just allowing me to get it at a pharmacy for $40. It’s insane. Bah. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/63 "2018-12-17T02:36:27Z")
> [@Mangosteen](#): > > [Over 40 percent of Americans say no to flu vaccinations](http://www.fox5ny.com/news/over-40-percent-of-americans-say-no-to-flu-vaccinations) > > I’m sorry, but I never get a flu shot. Not because I’m afraid it will give me the flu, but because I never get sick. I’m 65 and own a landscape company and have never missed a day of work since I bought the business 30 years ago. I’m working outside 5 days a week. I get up at 5 am everyday to work out. I don’t eat junk. > > Why do you (or don’t you) get a flu shot? I used to be liek you, maybe get a few sniffles when everyone was down sick. Then I got the flu one year and I was sick as a dog for about a week. Not the fun kind of sick, where you drink soup and watch TV, no the "I wish i was dead’ kind. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/64 "2018-12-17T02:37:38Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I’m allergic, so I don’t get them. Hives are bad enough, but when it moves from wheezing to being unable to breathe… well, I’ll take my chances with the flu, thanks. Well, what part of the shot are you allergic to? They change the formula. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/65 "2018-12-17T02:39:30Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’ve never gotten one before. I may decide to one of these days/years, but there’s a fair amount of inertia I’d have to overcome. I’d have to figure out where, when, and how to get one, and take the trouble to get there and do so, and find out whether, with my current insurance, I’d have to pay for it. I do not like doctors, shots, or medical anything. And some years I hear how there’s a limited supply of the vaccine, and I figure there must be other people who need it way more than I do. … Just about every drug store and of course your doctors office. And if you get one outside your medical providers, it’s usually like $20 or so. Generally not a limited supply. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/66 "2018-12-17T02:46:25Z")
> [@nonacetone](#): > > I’m diabetic. When my husband’s insurance was Blue Cross, I got the flu shot every year, without fail. Now, his company went to a different insurance. United Healthcare. I am no longer able to get a flu shot, except at the doctor’s office. I must make an appointment for that to happen. I don’t understand why the insurance company wants to pay more for me to see the doctor, and get a flu shot, than just allowing me to get it at a pharmacy for $40. It’s insane. Bah. Then just pay the freaken $30 at walgreens or whatever. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/67 "2018-12-17T03:03:20Z")
If anyone reading this is not getting a shot for financial reasons, PM me and I will fund your shot. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/68 "2018-12-17T03:46:02Z")
I also have a debilitating needle phobia. I’d like to give Flumist a shot if it’s ever available and affordable. I’d honestly rather not have the phobia though. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/69 "2018-12-17T04:03:36Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > …and of course your doctors office. That’s assuming I have a doctor. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/70 "2018-12-17T04:11:49Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > That’s assuming I have a doctor. You can get one at CVS or any other large chain drug store for a nominal fee. As I mentioned, I will pay for it if you can’t afford it. ---
**Author:** ![Angel\_of\_the\_Lord](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angel_of_the_lord/32/2949_2.png) [@Angel\_of\_the\_Lord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angel_of_the_Lord)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/71 "2018-12-17T04:31:13Z")
I have asthma, and my biggest trigger is viral infection. Also, both my mom and the SO’s dad are getting up there in years, so I wouldn’t want to give it to them (though his folks are currently on a vaccines-are-poison kick, and my mom gets her shot like clockwork, so I’m not certain of the efficacy. Finally, I teach college students. So, yeah, I get my shot. A bad enough cold will land me in urgent care for additional steroids, and I don’t really want to deal with something potentially worse. Plus I get it for free from the university, and the SO gets his free from work, so we both get it each year. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/72 "2018-12-17T04:51:21Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > That’s assuming I have a doctor. You seem to be going to great lengths to avoid this flu shot. Much greater lengths than…the effort of getting this cheap, readily-accessible vaccination. ---
**Author:** ![TSBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/77aa72/32.png) [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/73 "2018-12-17T05:40:40Z")
I’ll say this again because people don’t read the whole thread. Under the ACA, insurance MUST cover certain things without copay, including an annual checkup AND A FLU SHOT. The flu shot is FREE IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE. And you should, really. My experience is that my doctors (2 different insurance companies in the last two years) will give you the shot on an in-and-out basis without appointment because it’s fast and efficacious–even if not a perfect defense. Even if you don’t have insurance, as many many many posts in this thread have noted, you can get a flu shot for a minimal amount at many pharmacies. Can’t afford $30? Can you afford to miss two weeks of work? ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/74 "2018-12-17T07:26:05Z")
> [@nonacetone](#): > > I’m diabetic. When my husband’s insurance was Blue Cross, I got the flu shot every year, without fail. Now, his company went to a different insurance. United Healthcare. I am no longer able to get a flu shot, except at the doctor’s office. I must make an appointment for that to happen. I don’t understand why the insurance company wants to pay more for me to see the doctor, and get a flu shot, than just allowing me to get it at a pharmacy for $40. It’s insane. Bah. The problem is with your doctor, not United Healthcare. When I was on UHC I got flu shots at my doctors’ clinic without appointment. They had times set up on Sunday where you just got on line, filled out a simple form, gave your id, and got a shot. Now you can just walk in. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/75 "2018-12-17T07:59:43Z")
I didn’t get a flu shot again this year but only because I’m allergic to the vaccine. I have an egg allergy and just about all vaccines are made with eggs. ---
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/76 "2018-12-17T08:11:57Z")
> [@TSBG](#): > > . . .Even if you don’t have insurance, as many many many posts in this thread have noted, you can get a flu shot for a minimal amount at many pharmacies. Can’t afford $30? Can you afford to miss two weeks of work? 8.8% of Americans (28.5 million) dont have insurance. 13.5% of Americans (43.1 million) live below the poverty level, with an additional 50 million living just above. 15 million Americans are unemployed. Uncounted millions of Americans dont have easy access to healthcare of any kind (even if they wanted it) due to lack of reliable transportation or living farther than 20 mins away. You might wanna come down off your high horse and take a look at the nearly 1/3 of your fellow Americans for whom a flu shot is not a practical reality. mc ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/77 "2018-12-17T10:06:19Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Well, what part of the shot are you allergic to? They change the formula. The testing to determine that is not covered by my insurance and I can not afford to get it out of pocket so no one knows, and no one seems interested in finding out. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/78 "2018-12-17T10:23:15Z")
> [@TSBG](#): > > I’ll say this again because people don’t read the whole thread. Under the ACA, insurance MUST cover certain things without copay, including an annual checkup AND A FLU SHOT. > > The flu shot is FREE IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE. The STANDARD flu shot is required - alternatives are _not_. Insurance have to make regular flu shots available, but they are allowed to require jumping through all sorts of hoops to get a non-standard shot or flumist. And by and large they do. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/79 "2018-12-17T12:28:48Z")
> [@TSBG](#): > > Even if you don’t have insurance, as many many many posts in this thread have noted, you can get a flu shot for a minimal amount at many pharmacies. Can’t afford $30? Can you afford to miss two weeks of work? I suspect most of the people reading the SDMB can afford $30 for a flu vaccine, but there are plenty of people out there who can’t. When choosing financial priorities, “missing two weeks of work” isn’t a certainty, it’s a risk - One that some people are willing to take, if the alternative (paying for a flu shot) means not making the rent this month, or having your kids go hungry. This is what it means to lack financial security: when resources are limited, you are forced to take risks (like not getting a flu shot), and if those risks result in bad outcomes (like getting the flu for two weeks), it may mean ending up jobless and/or homeless. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208/80 "2018-12-17T13:16:00Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > I got the flu once. It was the worst week and a half of my life. I have vowed to do whatever I can do to keep it from happening again. > > Every year, my workplace brings in technicians who will give us the flu shot on site. Makes it very convenient. Same here. My wife and I had the flu simultaneously about ten years ago and there were times when I was trying to figure out which of our friends and neighbors I could trust with our infant daughter if we both ended up hospitalized or dead. It was a very, very bad week and a half. I’ve gotten the flu shot every year since then and have thankfully remained flu-free. Also, one of my wife’s friends dropped dead in her 40s of a flu-related infection that spread to her heart. She was, up until then, a lively, active and apparently healthy woman. The flu - _real_ flu - is a bad thing and best avoided at all costs. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-your-flu-shot-40-say-no-thanks/826208.md?page=5)