I just thought I'd add my 2¢ here. I normally get the flu shot every year because in 2 different years I came down with a whopping case of the flu and the doctor told me that the next time it could be pnuemonia (sp?) or menangitis (I, sure as heck, cannot spell).

Well, this year, as a healthy adult I'd feel guilty taking one even if I could find it but DH is a college professor and those kids ... well... he gets exposed to everything. So I looked into the Flumist nasal vaccine.

First off, DH is 50 so he can't have it at all. I have 2 years to go. Second last year they were charging $50 - $60 for it. Crazy. Third, this is the live virus so they really are giving you the flu. Side effects (on the CDC web site) are plentiful and not terribly rare (35% for some) but not deadly.

But our local supermarket with a pharmacy has it this year for $25 and a $3 coupon ($22). I decided to take my chances. I got it on Monday fully prepared to feel miserable Monday night, Tuesday, even Tuesday night. I guess I got lucky. I had NO side effects. I went jogging and biking on Tuesday. I feel great. I just hope this thing "took."

Anyway, it is another option for those ages 5-49 who are otherwise healthy and prepared for some side effects. It doesn't hurt like a shot but it is a little weird to have someone slowly squirting a syringe up your nose.