There’s only one good reason you haven’t gone to get your flu shot yet: you’re lazy. Or busy, or just haven’t gotten around to it-call it what you want.

The only people who have a real excuse not to get a flu shot are: 1) people who have severe allergies to chicken eggs; 2) children younger than six months; 3) people who have moderate-to-severe illness with a fever; and 4) people who have had severe allergic reactions to previous flu shots (severe means you probably needed a doctor, not just a sore arm or felt a little sick).

Other excuses are so easily addressed and dismissed, we’ll do it in less than 400 words:

“I don’t know where to get one, how long it takes or if I can afford it.”

Eastern Health Services has flu shot clinics. The next one is Nov. 10, a week from today, in the Andrews Hall basement. Most of us went to get ours yesterday at the Rec. It’s free for students and takes about five minutes.

Walgreens and CVS offer flu shots. Both places charge about $30 for the uninsured and free for most people with insurance. Both take walk-ins and it takes about five to 10 minutes.

“It’s already November, maybe I won’t get sick.”

The Center for Disease Control says December is when flu activity peaks, though the flu season lasts well into the spring. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies that provide protection to develop.

“I don’t usually get the flu, so I’ll be fine.”

On average, one-in-five Americans get the flu each year, according to the CDC. So don’t convince yourself that your body has become immune to the flu just because you haven’t had it in a few years.

“I’m really healthy, so even if I get the flu, it’s no biggie.”

It’s a biggie. The strains change and a bad flu can knock even the healthiest folks on their butts for a few days. Why risk it?

“It’s my choice, and I don’t really care.”

It’s your right, but you’re forcing that choice on those around you. The flu is very contagious.

You can infect others a day before you start feeling sick and up to a week after you feel better. You can even carry the flu and pass it on without ever feeling the symptoms. By not getting your shot, you risk spreading the virus to people who have a high risk of developing flu-related complications.

Someone in your class can catch the flu from you and bring it home to a baby or a senior, and that person can end up in the hospital-or even a morgue-as a result. Your decision not to get the shot will imperils you and everyone in your community.

So quit being lazy. Go get your shot.