Does this mean this years flu shot won't protect you from the nasty H3N2 ?

As of now, it seems to provide some protection, that is the best anyone can say with confidence.

If it turns out to be well matched, that is something that only post season analysis will determine.

I'm amazed the thread went this long without the obligatory "The only time I ever got the flu was when I got the shot". This could be the longest thread/conversation about the flu shot ever without that phrase being used. We did have the autism bunk mentioned, but I think that was sarcastic.

 

As for me, my son and I both got the shot this year (we always do), and we both got the flu. But it was short lived and not very severe, due to a combination of the vaccine and getting on tamiflu early on. Wiped us out for about 2 days but then we were fine. More like a bad cold. (Flu was confirmed by lab test) Our Dr. said there are some strains that slipped by the vaccine this year, it happens. But 90%+ of the cases he's seen this year are unvaccinated people.

 

We'll be getting it next year. IMO the benefits far outweigh the minimal risks. I wouldn't presume to tell someone else what they should do, though it does make me sad so many base the decision on limited or faulty info.

Yes.

And +1 to your last statement.

Yes.  I get it for free through work.

Not yet, but probably will get one Thursday because I'm going to the doctor anyway.

Not me. I've never gotten a flu shot and I've never had a confirmed case of the flu. The worst I've ever been sick was about 7 years ago and I was laid up for 2 days at home and still didn't feel like it was bad enough to go to the doctor. My work doesn't offer them and I'm not around children or the elderly.

If I ever have a reason to get one, then sure, I might consider it. But for now, nope.

I've only had one flu shot in my entire life so far.  At work where it was convenient.

I seem to get the flu once or twice a decade.  I had the flu last year and it totally floored me for a few days.  Really wished I had gotten a flu shot before that.

Excellent.  This thread went exactly as planned!  

Actually, I had no idea about the one in L&O but if RA's L&O is anything like the old RW version, then I can hold my head high.  That's like moving up to "head janitor" at the prison.  

I probably won't get it only because I'm lazy.  And if I got the shot and then got the flu anyway, nobody here would ever hear the end of it.  I would burn the doctor's office to the ground.

Catwhoor's chart is accurate.  The big concern this year is the early onset.  I was talking with a guy who's been battling it for 3 weeks now.  Walking pneumonia and in his 3rd set of antibiotics. (Zpak no workee).

Eat, drink and be merry..........for tomorrow we die!  (just a warm fuzzy for the evening) 

Yes, and I never get the flu.  Not sure why.  I work with 21 people all with kids and they get the flu.  They also get the flu shot every year, while I don't.

Well, these things always seem anectdotal, so here's mine: As a classroom teacher, I got the dang flu every year, until I started getting the shot. That was 16 years ago, and since getting the shot I've never had the full on flu. Sure, I still get winter bugs, but not the flu. I also wash hands regularly. My question to those that say they are never around children, etc. is, don't you ever fly on a plane, ride a bus, go to a theater/mall/grocery store/church/ anywhere else where crowds are or have been recently?