Yes, I get a flu shot every year, as everyone in my family. My compromised immune system and limited respiratory status, requires me to always get one. If I get the nasty strain that they are trying to prevent, it will kill me. As it is every couple of years I usually get some cold that turns into pneumonia.
From CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
Preventing the Flu: Get Vaccinated
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:
* The "flu shot" – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
* The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
I agree that if your a healthly person, who dosen't get colds and other respiratory illnesses, you probably don't need one. Protect your children and encourage your older parents.
As for mod's leading by example, there isn't much to say!