This topic is about the considerations ostomy patients might have when deciding whether to get a flu vaccination. The person who started the discussion is worried about the possibility of vomiting and believes that having an ostomy might mean they have a weaker immune system. They feel stuck between the risk of catching the flu and concerns about the negative things they've heard about flu shots.

Here are some helpful points and advice shared by others:

1. After getting a flu shot last year, the person is thinking about skipping it this year because they don't go out much. However, they remember getting very sick with swine flu in the past, so the new quadrivalent flu shot seems reassuring to them.

2. They followed medical advice and received the "Senior Series" flu and pneumonia vaccines because they have current respiratory issues that require oxygen, and they want to avoid further complications.

3. Many people suggest consulting a healthcare professional, like a GP or specialist, for personalized advice. Doctors often recommend annual flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines, especially for those on immunosuppressants or who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation.

4. It's important to assess personal risk factors, such as:
- Compromised immunity due to cancer treatment, chronic disease, or use of steroids/biologics.
- Frequent contact with the public, like working in healthcare or caregiving for vulnerable relatives.
- Pre-existing conditions like respiratory, cardiac, kidney, or autoimmune issues.

5. Many ostomy patients report positive experiences with yearly vaccinations, experiencing only minor side effects like soreness or a brief low-grade fever. Some also get pneumonia and shingles vaccines.

6. Some people shared that the one year they skipped the flu shot, they ended up with a severe case of the flu. One person recalled getting sick in 2005 after missing their vaccination.

7. Doctors mention that the flu vaccine's effectiveness averages around 30%, but even with lower effectiveness, it helps reduce the spread of the flu. This season's vaccine covers four strains.

8. A few people choose not to vaccinate, citing reasons like strong personal immunity, low exposure to others, concerns about vaccine ingredients, and doubts about the accuracy of strain predictions.

9. Those who decide against vaccination often focus on lifestyle measures like good nutrition, supplements, and general immune support, but they acknowledge that the decision should be personalized.

10. The general consensus is that having an ostomy does not automatically mean a person has a weakened immune system. However, many ostomy patients choose to get vaccinated as a precaution. It's important to remember that once you catch the flu, getting a shot won't help.