Thread creep has probably taken place, but who am I not to add my 10c five days after the event

I always get the flu shot because I have crappy lungs (thank you genetics) which mean I have asthma, am highly suceptable to chest infections and get bronchitis after only a bad cold as a matter of course.

As my lungs are fragile, repeated chest infections mean I am a highly likely candidate for COPD, death from pneunomia and other related nasties.

Therefore, not getting flu for me = not causing further scarring of my lung tissue = a reduction in the likelihood of carting O2 around with me in 20 years.

And it does work.... sometimes. For me the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Even in my 20s back in the UK I was a candidate for free flu vaccine, because of my crappy lung related genetics.

Have you seen the threads over on MBTTUK? Just thought I'd mention it as I don't recall seeing you there.

I posted a little at the beginning but looking at the new requirements it is impossible for us to go back, only way I can see is through an EU country.

Can I suggest you look into a Pneumovax shot then? I had this 3years ago and no longer get the annual bronchitis.

Righto. I was wondering if you were aware of that route and it seems you are.

no, it isn't mandatory in Canadian heathcare. If you don't get the shot then if there is an outbreak you can't work. If you work at two places if there is an outbreak at one of them you can't work at the other.

(Not sure of your list, was that in descending order? Techs at the bottom ?)

Thanks for the advice, I'll mention this to the Doc next time I see him.

What? I never got H1N1 shot and still worked all the way through the outbreak? I've never heard of such legislation?

I stand corrected - back in the 70's at Regina General they just said everyone has to get it and roll up your sleeve. Being half German change doesn't come easily. Now after a quick google I see how it's voluntary but in BC if nurses aren't vaccinated they have to wear a mask when treating patients.

There was an outbreak? Never said it was legislation but it seems to be the predominant hospital policy. The outbreak would refer to a local outbreak in your hospital not a national/provincial one. I think it all depends on what notices the local Health Unit issue.

I wear a mask quite often in the coughing and sneezing season.

Aha! Du bist halb deutsch? Dass erklaert sehr viel. Ich habe wieder voll Respekt fuer Deine Meinungen.

Yes that's exactly what I'm saying, you didn't completely misunderstand me at all. I'd like to be able to say...

Anyway I was vaccinated yesterday, so I guess all we have to do now is wait and see who dies of influenza first...

I had it done on Tuesday (first timer) and looked the other way, wiggled my toes when the nurse told me to and bam I was done. Arm's been a bit sore but not enough to hinder life, kind of like a bruise hurts. I've had waaaay worse needle experiences.