[amber]

Originally Posted by DeeGeMe

The chronically ill need them too-no matter what their age. For example, I have a cousin who's diabetic--he needs the shot and can't get it. There are none to be had in his town. And I'll give you another example-me. I just turned 40 and am on immune-supressent therapy for severe arthritis (Enbrel). It works by lowering your body's immune system so it doesn't attack itself. It works like a charm (my arthritis blood tests are normal for the first time in over 4 years and I've only been on it for 3 months). I've gotten the flu shot for the past 4 or 5 years--since my arthritis began to flare again. And like my cousin, I can't get a flu shot either. My family doctor told me today that he doesn't think they're going to get the shipment they ordered but he put me on a waiting list because he said I'd be a "high-priority" patient. My arthritis doc told me last week that he KNOWS he's not going to get the vaccine he ordered so that route is out. The local health departments in our multi-county region are also ALL out. So count me as a fairly young (okay-early mid-age) person who needs a shot and can't get one.

I did get one bit of good news today though-my doctor told me that the shot this year contains the same formulation as last year's shot and that I may have some immunity leftover from last year's vaccine. Also, I work at home so I'm not in the public as much as some people would be. Still, I have to leave the house sometime to go to the grocery store, the mall, etc. I just think I'll be doing that in non-peak hours, plus taking my vitamins, drinking my water, and using antibacterial hand wash every chance I get when I'm out in public.

perhaps wear one of those white face masks? How does someone get such severe arthritis at such an early age? Is there any way i can avoid something like that?