Hi Barb02,

I got the shingles vaccine several years ago. Nothing has changed or happened. I gave a lot less thought to having the pneumonia vaccine and the shingles vaccine than I do about getting a flu shot.

I did have the shingles previously (unless I was misdiagnosed at that time) and did not want to get them again. So for me, I requested the vaccine.

I think I have had ONE flu shot in the past several decades. My decision to decline flu shots is based on my lack of exposure to the flu. I come in contact with very few people so my exposure to the flu is limited. If I had more exposure to others, I would probably do a flu vaccine.

I guess it all depends upon what chances you want to take. For me, I will take my chances on getting the flu for now, but want to reduce my chances on getting the shingles again or pneumonia, as much as possible.

The shingles virus resides in me so my limited exposure to other people is not beneficial for avoiding shingles like it is with the flu.