5 Myths About the Flu Vaccine

With fall in full force, it’s time to seriously start thinking about flu season and getting this year’s flu shot. Since it’s impossible to predict when flu season will spike the most effective way to protect your family from the virus is to get a flu shot. There are, however, many misconceptions about the flu vaccine that prevent people from getting vaccinated. If you’re considering skipping it this year, make sure you know the facts before you put your health in jeopardy.

Myth #1 – The flu shot will give you the flu

The most common misconception about the flu vaccine is that it will make you sick. The vaccines are made with dead viruses or in some cases no viruses at all, so it can’t infect you. Rather they are designed to help your body develop immunity to the virus. Some individuals have reported catching the flu shortly after they received the vaccine, but since the vaccines actually take a couple of weeks to start working it is still possible to get sick during that time. It’s most likely that those individuals were already carrying the virus and going to get sick anyway.

Myth #2 – You don’t need to get a new shot ever year

Another major myth is that you don’t need to get a new flu shot every year. Flu viruses are constantly changing, so each year the vaccine is reviewed and designed to protect against the major flu strands predicted for that season. Plus, your body’s immune protection can decline after several months so even if the major flu strands are similar from one season to the next it’s important to get a new shot each year for optimal protection.

Myth #3 – It’s better to catch the flu than get the vaccine

Symptoms of the flu may look like that of a bad cold, but the flu is a serious disease. It can cause serious complications or be fatal, even among healthy people. The vaccine can sometimes cause minor side effects including swelling, redness around the injection site, low-grade fever and muscle aches. These symptoms indicate your body’s immune system adapting to the vaccine and creating antibodies to fight off any intruding flu viruses. Side effects from the flu shot are minor compared to the flu itself though, and only last a day or two compared to the flu which can last up to weeks.

Myth #4 – Pregnant women shouldn’t get a flu shot

Pregnant women should actually get their flu shot as soon as possible. The vaccine can help protect both the mother from the virus, and it can even protect the baby during the first few months after birth, before the baby is old enough to be vaccinated. Pregnancy causes changes in the immune system, heart and lungs which can make pregnant women more likely to develop serious complications from the flu, making it crucial for new and expecting mothers to be vaccinated right away.

Myth #5 – If you haven't gotten a flu shot before November, there's no point in getting one.

The Center for Disease Control and Protection recommends that everyone get the flu vaccination by the end of October. Many people take this to mean that if you don’t get their flu shot by then, it’s too late in the season and there is no point. But getting your flu shot any time during the flu season will reduce your risk of catching the flu. Flu season can last into April so as long as flu viruses are circulating, the vaccines are helpful. Just remember that the longer you wait, the more susceptible you become.

Even though it’s not possible to completely prevent the flu, there are a lot of things we can do to minimize the virus’ spread – and getting the flu vaccine is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do that. Before you think about skipping your shot this year, make sure you fact check the rumors you’ve heard to be sure you’re getting the right medical information. If you have additional questions, give your local CareWell Urgent Care center a call to learn more.

By Dr. Jack Cornwell, Medical Director CareWell Urgent Care