I've had 3 flu shots over the past 4 years.. no reaction or side effects to date of note. I did have a very bad case of the flu (the one year I didn't get a shot, but that is probably total coincidence), and the severity of it led to a minor flare period. Once the flu passed, things quickly returned to normal. Flu shots carry risks, and they only offer protection for the 3 - 4 strains that the 'experts' predict will hit, and they take time to build defences, but... if you examine the potential impact a very bad flu might cause, I think the risk of the shot is minimal. Considering how much time we spend in doctors offices, clinics and hospitals; adding a little flu protection seems to be reasonable to me. Like, if you don't play in lightning storms, you probably don't need to carry a lightning rod. But since we seem to call areas where sick people gather our second home, it may be wise to go in there armed somewhat. The so called experts advise that flu shots are predominantly targeted for people who are weak, frail, or chronically ill. Sounds like us to me.