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  • The Atlantic

    Paging Dr. Hamblin: I Don’t See the Upside of a Flu Shot

    I’m young and healthy, so what’s the point?
    by James Hamblin Oct 21, 2020 5 minutes
    Source: Julian Montague

    Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, James Hamblin takes questions from readers about health-related curiosities, concerns, and obsessions. Have one? Email him at paging.dr.hamblin@theatlantic.com.

    Dear Dr. Hamblin,

    I’m perfectly healthy. I’m 42 and I exercise routinely, eat a whole-food, plant-based diet, and have excellent biomarkers. If I get the flu, chances are it will be mild and run its course. So why risk any potential negative side effects of a vaccine? To protect me against something that I might still get even with the shot? Even though I’m sure the risk is low, why should I potentially jeopardize my health? I guess I see only downsides and no upside.

    Todd Kelly

    Philadelphia, Pa.

    Your concerns are widely shared, and your question is important. The answer is especially worth considering because the same logic that guides your

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