I used to get the flu shot every year, but in the last 4 years I've not, and
I haven't had the flu. But as Kicker stated, I'm not around a lot of people
anymore.

I do get a flu shot every year. Had the H1N1, when they had it, a few years ago. I rarely react, lest you count a sore shoulder. My kids all get the flu mist, which, with MS, I cannot get. In some ways, it's a personal choice. For me, I work with children, and live with them, I'd rather be vaccinated.

Yup! This year and last. I used to be anti-flu shot, but my GP advised it would be best to get it, so I did. Cost was covered too (due to having an immuno-compromising disease with M.S.).

Hi Laura. Nice to see you.

This is an interesting debate. I will not be getting the shot because last year I reacted badly to the flu shot, even though I fought to get it from a pediatrician and finally managed to do so. (in our town, "mercury" is in the adult shots, not in the pediatric shots). My son wanted me to get the shot, so I called a pediatrician, Dr.Krohn, who is knowledgeable about Porphyria, my other disease. Even though she ordinarily refuses to see adults unless they are attached to her child patients, she was glad to see me and would do so now. But I got quite sick from the shot and was in physical and emotional misery for some time--not months, this time, but at least weeks.
Then, someone showed me that the flu shots in this country vary widely as to what adjuvants they have in them. Even if, as Erica says, the ingredients are not shown on the labels, this person had a list of adjuvants in various brands--quite a few different brands. And each one had several additives which I would react too.
Of course, squalene was one of them. I believe i have reacted badly to Propylene Glycol. And there were various other things I couldn't guess about, but would rather not have.
Don't you, Erika, and others here, react to mercury, which is in the adult shots?

In years past, over five years ago at least, I could take a flu shot if it did not have mercury in it, but not any more. I do not know whether it is that I've aged or the shots are now formulated with more adjuvants that I cannot handle well.

My basic reaction is to have muscle pain, cognition decline (quite noticeable, not just a "mood") and spastic reactions. The cognitive dysfunction is the most disturbing, as I need to keep a clear mind in order to live with several diseases which take monitoring and handling by myself.
I am also distressed, Erica, about the problem you set forth, the lack of clear information on this.
I will have to isolate myself within the house if worse comes to worse. I cannot go through that reaction to the flu shot again. I don't have the courage to make my mind go flaccid and try to cope anyway.

I also get one every year and have never had a problem, other than a sore shoulder for a few days. I also have not had the flu.

I am trying to decide whether to get a shingles vaccine. I am having a tougher time making that decision. My pcp recommended it since I am not on any dmd's or steroids, and my neuro agreed.

I always get the flu shot. I used to be hospital based and it was required and good protection for me and I just continued it after I went on disability.

This year I got the shot in November but I got the flu here in PA while visiting Mom and am stuck here. Today is day 8 of the flu. I hope I can fly home on Saturday (have ticket) and I hope the plane flies on time as I don't have much energy reserve.

ANN

I was told by my Neuro and have talked to others who have been told the same that the flu shot was alright to get, however the shingles vaccine is another thing. It is a live virus and therefore could be dangerous for persons with MS. I would like to get the shingles vaccine, but based on this I have not.

Virginia

I've decided not to get it.

The COCHRANE DATABASE is the Holy Grail of Medical knowledge.
FLU vaccine efficiency: Exhibit B
http://www.cochrane.org/news/blog/eminence-vs-evidence

With love, Erika

Since i am still having major symptoms after knee replacement surgery, i am loathe to introduce something else, either live or dead, to the mix. So i'm skipping it this year.