Here are five excuses we hear every year from people who don't want to get flu shots, and why they're all bogus . . .
1. "I'm afraid of needles." It's not valid, because they also have a nasal-spray form of the flu vaccine. So if you don't want to get jabbed, you don't have to. According to the CDC, this year's version is just as effective as the shot.
2. "I don't have time." If you can't get in to see your doctor, plenty of other places accept walk-ins. CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are three big ones. If there's no line, you're in and out in about 10 minutes.
3. "Winter is still two months away." The vaccine actually takes a couple weeks to fully kick in. And flu season is starting NOW. So earlier is better.
4. "I had it before, and it GAVE me the flu." It can't give you the flu, because it's made with a dead, inactive version of the virus. Some people do have mild side effects for a day or two. And in rare cases, an allergic reaction. But it won't give you the flu.
5. "It might not work." That one's true, actually. But it's still not a great excuse. Scientists have to predict which strains of the flu are going to circulate each year, and can't include all of them. So it involves a little guesswork.But even if they guess wrong, the strains are pretty similar. So it still LESSENS the symptoms. Meaning you won't feel as sick, and it won't last as long.
Photo: Getty Images