Social Policing of "did you get your flu shot?" Yay or nay?

MyChocolateDiet · February 2013

Just curious how you all feel about people asking if you got a flu shot. One school mom complained to me that she thought another mom did not get her kids and herself flu shots. That mom complained that a different mom openly asked her if she got her kids flu shots. I kind of wish no one would talk to me about it because they are all talking about each other and none of it involves me but do you think there is a fair amount of social policing about the flu shots? I'm getting a little sick of hearing about it. Do you think people have the right not to be confronted about this since some people seem as concerned about what's in those shots as other people seem about the flu itself?

I'm not asking who's wrong or right about getting the shot, just about whether it's right to ASK someone if they got it. for some reason HIPPAA or something like that comes to mind but since I'm a terrible "on the spot" responder, I'm just left dumb each time someone brings it up?

whierd · February 2013

While it is a personal choice, I feel that it is socially irresponsible to not get one. Roughly 90% of the population in a given area need to be immune in order for "herd immunity" to take place. The remaining 10% should be made up of those who have allergic reactions or sensitivities to such immunizations. A normal healthy adult who does not get one puts others at risk.

whierd · February 2013

But to answer your question, no, no one has the right to question anothers health choices.

MyChocolateDiet · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

NuggetLovesEdie · February 2013

I happen to use a service dog to assist me with a disability.

I get asked intrusive personal questions about my health all the time.

I've learned to respond, usually with a measure of grace unless its the 40th person in an hour who wants to know about my dog.

I say vague things like, "She's my service dog. She assists me with a medical condition."

If people press further, I will try to be polite yet firm and let them know that I understand their curiosity, and that I don't usually talk about my private health information with strangers. One woman on the bus burst into tears when I said this, but that was more about her bad day than mine.

When people ask about flu shots, I usually turn it around and give them the chance to talk about it by saying, "You sound really concerned about that. What is it that is important about flu shots to you?" Or "You have some strong feelings/opinions about the subject."

I recently had a low-probability exposure to measles through my job. It lead me on a trail of research to understand just how many kids aren't getting regular childhood vaccinations where I live. It's a little scary to think that people who can get vaccinated aren't, and are putting everyone who can't get vaccinated at risk.

whierd · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

PikaKnight · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

How about, it's none of your business? Or...just say yes or no..and if someone starts ranting just walk away. And yes, you can do this to PTA moms and to anyone else for that matter.

jennifer_417 · February 2013

If a person is being nosy, then THEY are being rude, and you are not obligated to join in their rudeness, nor are you obligated to answer their questions. Just tell them it's a personal choice and everyone has different ways of thinking about it.

The only year I got a flu shot, I got 5 sinus infections. I will never get another flu shot. But I don't feel obligated to tell that to anyone.

Athena98501 · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

I also agree that everyone who can get them should. I have a weakened immune system, and caught the flu despite getting my flu shot. I was over it faster than I would have been if I hadn't had the shot, but people who don't get it are putting medically fragile individuals at risk, and I have a problem with that.

To answer your question, if I felt like you did, and was asked, I'd say "That's kind of a personal question, don't you think?" And walk away.

PikaKnight · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

whierd · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

whierd · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

How about, it's none of your business? Or...just say yes or no..and if someone starts ranting just walk away. And yes, you can do this to PTA moms and to anyone else for that matter.

I wish this were possible, but unfortunately there are "political" ramifications when you are perceived as rude, even if the other person were rude to begin with.

PikaKnight · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

So I guess when the doctors would diagnose him with the flu..they were wrong. When I say severe, I mean severe. It wasn't you just end up at home and wait it out. It would get to the point his parents had to take him to the hospital.

And I'm not for or against..I'm just saying that some people may have good reasons.

Mustang_Susie · February 2013

(HIPPA refers to other people sharing your health information
As a nurse, if you're my patient, I can legally share your info with a doctor, physical therapist, accounting etc. for the purpose of providing care
I cannot share your info with another patient without your express consent)

That being said, you don't need to tell anyone anything
Except public health officials if it were a reportable disease
Which the respiratory flu is not

Out of common courtesy, you may want to inform a teacher or school nurse if your child becomes ill with a contagious disease
i.e. chicken pox etc.

Ralphrabbit · February 2013

Since I was diagnosed with MS I have had very few minor colds & never flu!! It seems to be the only positive in the midst of MS. With an over active immune system I seem to be resistant to these things!

I am a great believer in the value of immunisation, particularly in childhood for the usual stuff but as yet I am not convinced of the benefits of mass immunisation for flu. Those who are at risk should get the jab but for most of us, the ability to fight off infection is something our bodies need to practise......

Whatever your decision it is yours & nobody, except a health care worker has the right to ask & expect an answer!!

whierd · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

So I guess when the doctors would diagnose him with the flu..they were wrong. When I say severe, I mean severe. It wasn't you just end up at home and wait it out. It would get to the point his parents had to take him to the hospital.

And I'm not for or against..I'm just saying that some people may have good reasons.

Yes, the doctors were wrong if they said he had the flu. They likely did not know he had a flu shot or simply treated the symptoms to give him relief. Your friend, if he got severe symptoms, is one of those people with sensitivities that I mentioned in my first post. He should rely on herd immunity.

Joreanasaurous · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

You beat me to is.

Also I have a grandmother who is the most important person in the world to me. If she got the flu it would kill her. If she caught the flu and died because someone decided to not get it... There are on words to describe the rage I would feel.

Kinda reminds me of that Law and Order:SVU with Hilary Duff where her baby died because a kid who wasn't vaccinated with the measles went to the park where the baby was.

ChelseaYepThatsMe · February 2013

Tell them simply, health records aren't public, so health CHOICES shouldn't be either.

kelly_e_montana · February 2013

It's not a required immunization, and until it is, I'm not getting one. I am more than happy to tell people that. If they want to talk more about that, I can bore them to death with my unconventional viewpoints on a variety of health topics, this one included, and I can guarantee they will never ask again.

Mustang_Susie · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

The injection is dead
The nasal spray is a weakened live virus

Maidofmer · February 2013

nay. it's my medical history and my privacy.

love22step · February 2013

I took flu shots for years, but I've sworn off the last couple of years.

obwize · February 2013

When people ask about flu shots, I usually turn it around and give them the chance to talk about it by saying, "You sound really concerned about that. What is it that is important about flu shots to you?" Or "You have some strong feelings/opinions about the subject."

I really like this. Very calm, but still pointing out that it isn't the other persons business. Although, if the person asking had a little baby, or was older, I could see it being a precaution against being exposed to the virus. And even then these questions would give them opportunity to say "I'm concerned about exposing a specific individual to the unnecessary illness."

Also, on a side note, I have a VERY difficult time not asking about dogs. Partly because of curiosity, but mostly because I think it is just amazing and wonderful that dogs are able to help people with so very many different needs. Fortunately for both our comfort, I withhold from asking questions, unless it is what is your dog's name, age... the usual stuff I'd ask about any dog.

whierd · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

The injection is dead
The nasal spray is a weakened live virus

Already aware, but thank you for iterating. :flowerforyou:

PikaKnight · February 2013

I took flu shots for years, but I've sworn off the last couple of years.

I haven't had one since I was 18 or 19.

SeaRunner26 · February 2013

While it is a personal choice, I feel that it is socially irresponsible to not get one. Roughly 90% of the population in a given area need to be immune in order for "herd immunity" to take place. The remaining 10% should be made up of those who have allergic reactions or sensitivities to such immunizations. A normal healthy adult who does not get one puts others at risk.

Unfortunately, what you're describing does not appear possible. According to a recent news article on the current flu shot, it was reported as only being about 60% effective. That means if 100% of the population got flu shots, we would never reach the 90% herd immunity you've described.

See http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/13/scramble-for-vaccine-as-flu-season-heats-up/

Refer to the fifth question, "Q: But don't some people get vaccinated and still get sick?"

ChelseaYepThatsMe · February 2013

I will not get them anymore, as everytime I did, I got sick. The past few years I haven't got them, and I haven't gotten sick. I refuse to let my little one get them either. Talk crap if you will, her health is in my best interest, and the first time she got one, she got horribly sick.

SeaRunner26 · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

You could try something to the effect that you prefer to keep your health information private (as protected by law). But thanks for asking!

Mustang_Susie · February 2013

so what's a good answer when people are getting nosy? I asked on another post and someone said stfu, but I can't go around saying that to p.t.a. moms?

Either just say yes to appease them or say "I am sorry, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my health care choices." Personally I find it incredibly rude of them to even ask.

But if you don't get them, I urge you to reconsider. Your choice to NOT get one could cost another, a baby or an elderly person most likely, their lives.

I had a close friend who, whenever he would get the flu shot, ended up within a few days getting the flu..every time. And not just a mild case. Severe. He stopped getting them in junior high and afterwards, he either didn't get the flu or got a very mild case.

Forgive me for being pedantic. He didn't get the flu, he only had flu-like symptoms. The flu virus in vaccines is dead.

The injection is dead
The nasal spray is a weakened live virus

Already aware, but thank you for iterating. :flowerforyou:

You're welcome
Immunosuppresion is one of the determining factors for choice of vaccine as people have been "discussing"

Gallowmere1984 · February 2013

I haven't had an immunization for anything in years. If my body is too weak to fight off something as pathetic as influenza, then I deserve death.

whierd · February 2013

While it is a personal choice, I feel that it is socially irresponsible to not get one. Roughly 90% of the population in a given area need to be immune in order for "herd immunity" to take place. The remaining 10% should be made up of those who have allergic reactions or sensitivities to such immunizations. A normal healthy adult who does not get one puts others at risk.

Unfortunately, what you're describing does not appear possible. According to a recent news article on the current flu shot, it was reported as only being about 60% effective. That means if 100% of the population got flu shots, we would never reach the 90% herd immunity you've described.

Source? I am mainly referring to other immunizations, such as polio, that require the 90% immunity. However, if I am wrong about the flu specifically, please link your source so I can check it and its own sources.

Social Policing of "did you get your flu shot?" Yay or nay?

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