The cold weather has swept in and the sneezes have begun. Nearly everywhere one looks, a store is offering flu shots, including Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart and Reasor’s as well as several hospitals and health clinics. Flu shots given at places such as Wal-Mart offer payment plans that cooperate with insurance companies or have a $20 fee.

            Many students at Tahlequah High School have invested in flu shots.

            “I got the shot so I wouldn’t get sick later on,” said sophomore Josten Junkens.

            Some people believe that getting a flu shot is not necessary since the shot does not protect one from every stream of the flu.

            “I don’t get a flu shot because for me, I’m not convinced it prevents anything if the person is healthy. A healthy person can do other things to build up the immune system,” said French teacher Jean Havens.

            Some people do not get flu shots because of their fear of needles, yet others believe there are definite benefits to getting a flu shot.

            “I got a flu shot because my friend begged me to get one with her. I cried when I got the shot because I’m terrified of needles,” said sophomore Haley Cole.

            There is a spray alternative that is good with kids that will prevent the flu just as well as the shot. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), on February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. In addition, people who should receive the vaccine as soon as possible are pregnant women, children younger than 5, people over 50 and workers in nursing homes who are around those who are liable to contract the flu.