Why I won’t skip my Flu shot again

Last winter, I made a mistake. I got caught up with work, family, a trip to Chile, soccer games, and I completely forgot to get my seasonal flu vaccine. I figured, I’m healthy, I exercise, I eat decently… what’s the worst that can happen?

Well, I found out!

A few weeks later, the flu hit me like a freight train. Fever, body aches, pounding headaches, and an entire week of misery. I could barely get out of bed, and I missed precious time with my daughter and family. That week was a reminder: at 42 years old, I’m not 20 anymore, and neither is my immune system.

Why do we need a new Flu shot every year?

The flu virus isn’t static. It mutates constantly, changing its outer proteins (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase). This process, called antigenic drift, is the reason why last year’s vaccine won’t cut it this year. Scientists around the world monitor circulating strains and reformulate the vaccine annually to give us the best shot at protection.

Skipping the flu shot isn’t just about rolling the dice; it’s about betting against a moving target. And the house (the virus) usually wins.

The hard numbers: Flu & COVID in recent years

As scientists, we base our opinions on data, and this is not the exception.

• Seasonal flu:

  • In the U.S. alone, flu has caused between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths annually over the last decade.

  • The 2022–2023 flu season was particularly rough, with ~650,000 hospitalizations and thousands of ICU admissions.

• COVID-19:

  • Since 2020, over 1.1 million Americans have died from COVID-19.

  • Even in 2023–2024, with vaccines widely available, COVID caused tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S., many in older or immunocompromised populations.

Both viruses send people to the hospital, onto ventilators, and tragically claim lives. Most importantly, both can be partially prevented with vaccines.

Who’s at highest risk?

While anyone can get severely ill, certain groups face the highest danger:

• People with weakened immune systems (transplant recipients, HIV-positive, autoimmune conditions, patients undergoing cancer treatment).

• Those with chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.

• The very young and the very old. Infants are too young for some vaccines, and elderly individuals naturally have weaker immune systems. That’s why herd immunity is so relevant. It protects people who can’t get vaccinated.

And here’s the kicker: even if you’re not in a high-risk group, skipping your shot risks spreading the virus to someone who is.

Academic Dad’s lesson learned

That week I spent knocked flat by the flu taught me a lesson: vaccines are not optional checkboxes, they’re preventive care. At 42, I don’t bounce back the way I did in college. My immune system is still capable, but it needs all the help it can get.

The flu vaccine (and updated COVID boosters) are a simple, science-backed way to keep myself healthy, protect my family, and reduce the burden on hospitals. So this year, and every year, I’m rolling up my sleeve. Because missing out on family time, work, and health just isn’t worth it.

Academic Dad’s advice: Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your flu shot today (I just got mine yesterday!), and while you’re at it, talk to your doctor about COVID boosters. Your future self and your loved ones will thank you.