Question to GP Maarten: To get a flu shot or not?
Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand.
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Dear Martin,
I have a question regarding the flu shot. Everyone advises me to get the flu vaccine. I am 79 years old and have never had a flu shot. My question to you is should I do this, or are you saying don't do it given the side effect?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Yours faithfully,
J.
****
Dear J,
There is a lot of discussion about flu shots in the elderly. According to many researchers, it is pointless. That's my opinion too. If you've never had the flu before, it might not be pointless.
In principle, there is no evidence that flu shots work, but there are indications for this.
The package insert states that there is no warranty. I don't take it myself.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maarten