Flu shot ? Now your talking my language. I'm a Registered Pharmacist and a Certified Immunizer and give Flu, Zostavax (shingles), Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis), Pneumovax (pneumonia), & Recombivax all day long.
However, I've never taken a flu shot myself. Not because I believe in some crazy conspiracy that it makes you sick or causes autism, but, because I've never had the flu.
My opinion is, if you healthy and under 65 you probably do not need it. If you are allergic to eggs or chickens, you do not want to get a regular flu shot.
If you are: diabetic, immune compromised or on immune system compromising medications, around a pregnant women, smoke, are a child care worker, live in a residential facility, have asthma/ heart disease/COPD you may want to get it.
Most Drs will tell everyone to get a flu shot, as they are very safe and often free. A LOT of places that GIVE the shot are under tremendous PRESSURE to "use up all their shots" as they are no good once the season is done. Nobody wants to be left with extra shots, keep that in mind if someone is recommending one to you.
You can not get the Flu from a flu shot. You can feel fatigued or sore at the injection site for a few days after receiving one.
People who say they "get the flu from a flu shot" are usually people who WAIT to long into glue season to get one. What can happen is, you can catch the flu from regular sources during the 2-3 week window it takes to build up flu antibodies after receiving a shot.
Also there is NO mercury in ANY flu shot. Most of the shots given do not even have a preservative in them.