ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - On a call with reporters Wednesday, former CDC officials Demetre Daskalakis and Debra Houry said the U.S. is heading into flu season underprepared, citing recent staff cuts and the absence of a major public vaccination campaign.

In previous years, the agency pushed a “wild vs. mild” message — that a flu shot could turn a severe infection into something much milder.

At a CVS pharmacy in Stockbridge, signs offer “free shots,” but some customers are still hesitant.

“When I was in high school, I heard about people getting sick from the flu shot, and I don’t like being sick, so I just left it alone,” said Gary Grimes.

Grimes said despite never getting a flu shot, he hasn’t had the flu — and he won’t be vaccinating his daughter.

Others are more ambivalent

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