Flu shots: Myths vs facts

Fact: Getting the flu shot is a safer way to build up defense than getting sick. That’s because the flu can lead to:

• Serious sickness
• Time in the hospital
• Death

People with a higher chance of getting very sick include:

• Young children
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with certain health problems

Flu shots aren’t perfect, but they still help a lot. How well the flu shot works can change each year. It depends on things like your age, your health and the kind of flu that’s going around.

But experts agree that getting a flu shot every year is still the best way to stay safe during flu season. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.

Make an appointment to get the latest flu shot. This will help cover new variants and keep you and your loved ones healthy. It can also lower your chance of getting very sick if you do get the flu.

Fact: You should not skip your annual flu shot. It’s an important way for you to stay healthy.

The flu shot is updated every year to fight off new variants (different forms of the virus). They are based on the types of flu strains expected to be common that season, so they may be different from last year.

Also, any protection you had from last year’s shot lessens over time. It may not be enough to protect you this season.

Fact: The flu shot cannot give you the flu. Some of the top questions that we get about the flu shot and side effects are: What’s in a flu shot? Is the flu shot a live virus? The fact is that flu shots have an inactive virus or virus particles that won’t give you the flu.

You might feel a little under the weather after getting vaccinated. But don’t worry, these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a day or two. You might have some muscle aches, headaches or a low-grade fever. These are normal and will pass soon. What’s actually happening is an immune response. This means the immune system, or the way the body protects itself, is working.

Fact: Flu season usually starts in November and can last as late as May. It takes 2 weeks to get full protection from the vaccine. So the best time to get your flu shot is between September and the end of October, before flu season starts.

But if it’s later in the flu season and you haven’t gotten the flu shot yet, it’s not too late to get it and protect you and your loved ones.

Fact: All flu vaccines provide protection against the flu. The CDC prefers certain vaccines for people ages 65 and older. But don't wait for a specific one. The most important thing is to get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you when it comes to influenza vaccines.