I was attacked in the comments section on an
anti-anti-vaccine article because I said I didn't see the problem with parents
not vaccinating their kids against diseases such as influenza,
because it’s their choice, and flu deaths are wildly exaggerated anyway. It was somehow interpreted that I am anti-vaccine
(mine are current, so…), and their children shouldn't have to worry about
getting something because some other kid was carrying it. …right, you shouldn't worry, because your kid gets vaccines, idiot.
I have all of my vaccines, the ones the doctors told me I needed. However, the one for the flu has never been offered to me. Sure, I'm asked if I get one and always answer no. In 36 years, I've never had the flu. I could have gotten it and died, although there are probably a hundred other things that are more likely to kill me. In fact, most "flu deaths" are actually pneumonia deaths that are NOT related to the flu at all.
But I'm moving away from my point. We have governing bodies in every civilized country that decides what is mandatory for our children. It's called democracy, and while sometimes it can be wrong, or even scary, I have faith that most of the people in these organizations are looking out for our children. When they make it mandatory for certain vaccines that pose a legitimate health risk, then we should, by law, have to listen. But when it's something that is optional, parents should have the right to make that choice and since your average Joe opinion doesn't matter anyway, get off your high horse. The only thing your flaming remarks on the internet have accomplished in the fight for vaccines is some random stranger posting a blog entry about how you're a moron.
I support the flu shot in this case.