Flu shots

[PitCarver]

 

[dontpanicbobby]

I don't usually get one but this year it's better safe than sorry.

 

[Hadron]

In a normal year I wouldn't be offered one (too young and not in a risk group). This year might be different though.

On the other hand, I don't really catch flu (colds sometimes, but actual flu no more than twice in my life), so if there was any stress on the number of doses (possible if the programme is wider than usual this year) I'd probably not consider myself a priority.

 

[lunatic59]

But, does not participating in any vaccination program dilute the herd immunity effect?

 

[dontpanicbobby]

With no evidence I'd say no. There is no crystal ball to predict which variant of the flu you might catch so the best I can say is if the right vaccine is chosen you won't catch it. This years flu could be a novel experience.

I used to think "Novel" meant a book.

 

[Hadron]

But, does not participating in any vaccination program dilute the herd immunity effect?

The purpose of a vaccination programme is to produce herd immunity - just without large numbers of people falling ill or dying in the process.