The Pros And Cons Of The Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine has always been a controversial topic in my family. While all four of my grandparents are strong supporters of the vaccine, my parents are firmly against it. My grandparents believe that any action against illness must be taken to improve the immune system. My parents, on the other hand, think the flu shot treats the previous season’s flu virus, providing little protection against the current virus. Keeping this in mind, it makes perfect sense that I never received a flu vaccine as a child. This season was an exception. While picking up a prescription at Rite Aid, my parents suggested getting the flu vaccine to combat the virus in the dorm’s close quarters. So, I officially became a flu shot receiver. Although my parents are obviously against the flu vaccine, I have developed my own opinions. I think vaccines are an incredibly important to national health. Major vaccines have nearly banished certain viruses and diseases. The flu vaccine is much more minor when looking at the overall impact on society, but it still protects millions of people from a potentially fatal illness in some cases. I think it is most important for the elderly and people who send time around the elderly or young children to receive …show more content…
My doctor has always recommended the vaccine at my yearly checkups, and even the University of Toledo promotes the vaccine. With this in mind, I considered the negative impacts of getting the flu while away at college. I would most definitely miss class and have a lower academic performance on assignments. At the same time, my roommate probably would not appreciate me spreading my flu germs all over our very small dorm room. An added bonus, being vaccinated would prevent me from spreading the flu to my friends and family when I go home on the weekends. Since the dorms are a breeding ground for the quick spread of the illness, I got the vaccine without