[Person] "I never get the flu vaccine.  What difference would it make to my life?"

[Narrator] Well, you don't know it, but while you're standing in the grocery line, the man in front of you just coughed. [coughs] And as you breathe, the virus  finds its way into your nose.

But you're protected because the  vaccine acts as a shield for your body.

And you don't get sick.

That means when you hug your  grandma, she won't get sick.

And later when you hold your  coworker's baby, he doesn't get sick.

[sound of needle scratch] [Person] "Hold on.

But I've heard the vaccine doesn't always work."

[tape rewinding] [Narrator] Okay, let's see what might happen if  you get the flu even though you're vaccinated.

You're at work.

And that guy— you know, that guy— [groans] who didn't get protected?

He has the flu right now.

[cough] He doesn't know it yet.

Tomorrow, he's going to be sick.

He's going to miss work—a lot of work.

[coughs] Then his wife will catch the flu.

She ends up in the hospital with pneumonia.

Her mom is 80 and couldn't come to visit.

The neighbor can't bring the baby over.

And then let's say you also get the flu. [groans] After a few days of rest and  care, you're back at work.

No complications.

And not nearly as sick as that  guy and his family. [crickets] [Person] "So when I get  the flu vaccine every year, I'll protect myself— and others— against the flu."

[Narrator] Getting the flu  vaccine is like giving a gift— an important gift that protects  you and the people around you.