Today, as I understand so much more about our immune system and how flu vaccines affect it, and how we have other safer ways of preventing the flu, I have changed my approach.

Only people with chronic illnesses and poor immune function should take the vaccine.

Also, healthcare workers in hospitals in contact with sick people should take the vaccine.

Others must weigh the information above and make their own decisions.

Armed with the information I am giving you, you can make a decision about the benefit versus the risk of taking the flu vaccine, and decide.