Who's hoping for a more effective Flu Shot this coming season?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:21:53 -0400

Last season, the flu shot we all received in my area was less than effective, to say the least. I heard a doctor and a nurse both tell me in the ER that "this year's batch of flu shots were a dud." I got my required shot but then proceeded to have the worst winter in many years with flu-like symptoms and a variety of other issues. Worst three months of sickness in a long time. I am hoping for a better, more effective flu shot this coming season. But I have to be honest and say I'm sort of skeptical after this past season.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 7:29 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:29:22 -0400

I know I am! I got the flu last year. When I asked the clinic on base about it, they said I picked up the only strain the shot didn't protect against. Guess I won the lottery!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 7:32 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:32:50 -0400

The flu virus evolves so quickly that whatever vaccine they've got at any given time is pretty hit or miss. Lucky me, I didn't get sick this winter, even though my girlfriend did and I spent most of that time cooped up in the house breathing whatever germs she was putting out. I don't mind shots as long as they're not the anthrax one, lol.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 7:43 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:43:50 -0400

So the important thing to keep in mind is that there are many different flu viruses. The flu vaccine that we receive is created with the help of the CDC and based on an educated guess as to which flu viruses will be most prevalent and cause a significant health risk to the greatest population. Then the vaccine is created based on the list of the top few viruses. So just because you got "the flu" after having the flu vaccine, doesn't mean the vaccine was ineffective. It only means that the flu you got was not one that the vaccine targeted.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 29 at 2015 7:46 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:46:20 -0400

What we run into is "how" it works, and "why" it is chosen.

Keeping it really simple for explanation sake.

Dozens of flu strains. Vaccine lasts a single "season." Vaccine contains 3~ of what the CDC considers the "most likely" strains, which they have to "guess" on. Guess right, and we get good protection. Guess wrong, and we get no protection. Last year, the guess wasn't good (the prominent strain that hit, wasn't one of the ones that was selected for the vaccine).

Overall, they have a really good track record, but this is going to happen from year to year, since the prominent strain is effectively "random" (we're the incubators for it). We can make good guesses, but sometimes it will be off.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 29 at 2015 8:28 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:28:51 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver, I get one every year from my personal physician, and they seem to work OK. I haven't had the flu in years!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 29 at 2015 9:40 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 09:40:37 -0400

I HATE those damn things. I always get sick as a dog from them. If it were up to me, I'd make those shots optional. If I aint' broke, don't fix me!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 11:51 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:51:31 -0400

I know what the Armed services are trying to do with vaccines and it is a great idea in theory. Most vaccines work wonders because the target a specific strain or type of a disease (i.e. Anthrax, Small Pox... etc.) This flu vaccine is a culmination of "educated guesses" of what Flu strains are the most common. I've had to get this shot yearly for the past 4 years and for the past for years after receiving the vaccine, I've been horribly sick with the flu that usually lasts me for over a month. Now, I am not allergic or sensitive to any of the substances in the shot and generally have a very strong immune system (I normally only get sick after this time of the year). I understand how vaccines work but conversely would rather do without this one. If they can make a better vaccine that encompasses more strains then it would be more beneficial.

Am I the only one who gets so horribly sick after getting these shots?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:25 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:25:44 -0400

I know how the shots are and also how the mist works as well. Personally if I could get away with not having to get the shot I would only because I have missed out on getting sick for the last few years that were extremely bad. I know this last season I took the mist only because I know that I wont get sick from it even though your supposed to get sick from it to have it take affect in your system to prevent you from getting sick but im the complete opposite. If I get the shot then I will be more sick throughout the year. It is a lucky guess when they go through and try and guess the strain that is going to affect all service members and I personally think it makes more people sick and in the future they could still give out bad strains because no one ever knows what is the correct strain.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 9:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 21:49:18 -0400

I am now exempt from the flu shot so I don't worry about it. :) I used it get the "flu" every time I got the shot but once I found out I am allergic to one of the ingrediants (eggs), I don't Have to get it every year.