A few days ago, I uploaded a video of me getting the flu shot to my social media, I also tweeted about it and to my surprise, I got a lot of feedback that I wasn’t expecting, which prompted this post. Ever since I have uploaded the video, People have been sending me messages ranging from “You take that mess?” to “Thanks for reminding me” to “There’s no such thing as a mandatory flu shot” and many more.
I’ll be honest with you, I was one of those people who avoided getting the flu shot by choice. In my mind I thought the government was trying to inject something into my body so that they could track my every move and to control me (I know, I know, how ignorant of me). I’ve been working in the healthcare field for the last 5 years and I’ve managed to avoid getting the flu shot and thankfully the places I worked at did not make it mandatory.
Fast forward to the year of our Lord 2018, I started a new job working at the Children’s Hospital and it was mandatory that I had to take the flu shot. I got my first ever flu shot back in March so I had no clue if it was effective or not because that was pretty much the end of flu season but since it was mandatory I didn’t have much of a choice. However, I do know that the injection site hurt like hell and for a couple days lifting my hand wasn’t easy.
At my workplace the flu shot is mandatory unless there’s a religious reason or some other valid reason that will cause you to be exempted from the process. I work with children who are really sick and I have no intentions on getting sick this season so I obliged and got the shot(I better not ever get sick this season). I went to work and I asked the nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists working that shift if they believed in the flu shot, the responses I got were in a sense shocking and at the same time made me realize I wasn’t alone with the way I thought. Majority said they don’t but they get it because the job requires it, some said we work with children so I get it to protect myself from getting sick, some said they believed in it and still didn’t at the same time but they don’t want to get sick. One nurse said “what’s the point of taking it, you’re still gonna get sick” when asked if they gave their children the shot one said “hell yea” and “of course.” It’s very interesting to see that even in the healthcare industry many of us are still reluctant to take this flu shot or unsure of the reason they should take it. We all have our own beliefs.
At first my initial plan was to talk about the importance of the flu shot and what exactly it is but I’ve decided I’m going to do a 3 part series where I talk about the myths and also benefits. Today’s post is basically to get a discussion going.
I would like to know what are your thoughts about the flu vaccine? Drop a comment below let’s talk
I used to never get the flu shot either and I would always say, “I don’t get the flu.” I also work in healthcare and somebody reminded me that just because I don’t get sick doesn’t mean that I don’t still catch and carry the virus. Being I also work in healthcare and with critically ill people, I started getting it! I’ve been fine. The last flu shot I got did leave the injection site slightly sore, but only for a couple hours. It IS true, some people do get side effects, but they are typically short lasting! I also did something similar to what you did. This year, when I got the flu shot, I posted on my Instagram story saying, “I go mine, did you get yours?” I was surprised too by the negative feedback and so many people were asking about the ingredients, the side effects, and the actual need for it! It’s amazing how controversial the flu shot really is.
It really is amazing to see this is such a controversial topic. It makes you wonder what other vaccines don’t others believe in. I was a but thrown off by the negative messages but found joy in knowing some were supportive and didn’t let it seem like getting it was the worst thing in the world. I work with kids and I’ve come to learn that prevention is really important.
Yeah, and I think a LOT of these people, or at least I personally know a lot of people are digging deeper into natural alternatives to medicine (such as essential oils-I myself use them for certain things) and therefore, are opting out of vaccines as well…but yeah, I am totally thrown off by the people who literally act like we are terrible for getting them!!
I have my natural remedies I use as well and if it weren’t for work I probably wouldn’t get it. It just kills me to see people condemn you for getting it, treating you like like you committed a crime.
When u was in university they offered them all the time but I never got one & I also never got sick. But in my mind I don’t really trust it (Idk why). Stuff like vaccines and medication etc I never like taking them (but I still do, lol) it’s a weird thinking tbh, but I rather “protect” myself than risk it.
*when I was*
I get the protecting yourself than risking it and just like you I don’t know why I don’t trust it but I don’t. Unfortunately because of my job I have no choice.
No, I don’t get shot. Did get flu last year due to my niece going to school with sick kids. I’m not going get into that but will say I think it’s stupid parents send sick kids school. Yes, I have sickle cell but that still doesn’t mean I should get the shot. I got in years ago and guess who got sick and went into major crisis. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. God Bless
I totally understand. We all have our reasons for why we get it and why we don’t. I don’t understand how parents can send their kids to school knowing they’re sick. I’m curious to see if I get sick or not this flu season. This is my first time getting it at the start of the season.
Do keep us updated. It’s crazy that parents do that. I have sickle cell and my dad have cancer, so it’s grr. I’m type person who have wet wipes and plenty santiEr on deck. Hope all is well. God Bless
We have to protect ourselves. I do hope you’re doing well hun ❤
We sure do, not feeling my best but still alive. God Bless;)
I do hope you’re feeling better today!
Hanging In there ty;)
I got it once 10 years ago in September when I started bmcc. I had the flu for 2 weeks during xmas 2008. I’ve gotten the flu every year since during the winter seasons without the shot. Just got my second flu shot last week. I’m waiting to see the results this winter.
I’m waiting to see the results as well. The tenderness around the injection site has gone now which is good. Keep in touch and let me know if you get the flu or not. I’ll do the same.
No because these poisons created by man actually weaken the immune system. They do more harm than good. Besides we have no idea about what the ingredients consist of. A proper vegan diet will eliminate the need for a fluke vaccination. Besides nothing cures the flu like elderberry tea!! So it’s a Nay!
I hear you, for those who choose not to go full vegan, do you have an alternative besides vegan a diet ?
[…] my previous post about the flu shot Should You Get The Flu Shot: Yay or Nay? , I have come to the realization that the topic of vaccinations can be a very touchy subject. People […]
I generally dont but am not totally against it. Will probably start doing so this coming winter as I hope to be in the nursing program and working in the hospital as a CNA!!
Yes you’ll most likely have to get it if you’re going to be working in the hospital. I’m not against it, I haven’t had anything bad happen to me since I got it.