it's a great shot to get. we got it last year and my daughter didn't get sick the entire winter. and when we stopped in april she caught a few small colds so i think it really kept all winter viruses at bay. also, i think you need to have someone do it because they have to weigh the child and dosage is dependent on that so it's critical. one more thing, you may think your insurance didn't give a hard time but it's probably just because your doc's office did a good job at fighting them without you knowing it.