Hello Frens, I'm looking for a little help regarding flu shots. My family used to get them annually. I decided to stop last year after I had a reaction (swollen/itchy joints; rash all over my back, asthma attacks). However, my mother (who lives with me and thankfully agreed not to get the jab) is still thinking of getting the flu shot (and/or the pneumonia shot) this year.

She has several autoimmune problems, and is fearful that if she gets the flu she'll be much worse off. I've told her I will not get the flu shot under any circumstances. I've also tried to explain that the flu shot doesn't stop the flu.

If this was your mother (and presumably, you had a good relationship), what information would you give her?

Thank you all.

EDIT: Thank you all for your posts. I'm going to let my mother review, and hopefully she'l decide not to take it.