4 Flu Vaccine Myths Debunked
Get the facts about the flu vaccine and get vaccinated
Get the facts about the flu vaccine and get vaccinated
Each year, many people skip getting their flu shot — often because of confusion or myths that simply aren’t true. That’s unfortunate, because the flu vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick with the influenza virus.
“Some don’t believe the flu is a real threat to them. Others don’t trust the vaccine to do its job,” says Cynthia Wilson, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad.
False information about flu vaccines can be dangerous, especially when it causes people who are at high risk for flu complications — including hospitalization and even death — to skip getting a flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months or older get vaccinated each year, especially older adults, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
Here are common myths about the flu shot and the facts that debunk them.
Myth # 1. The flu vaccine can give you the flu
Fact: You can’t get the flu from the flu shot.
Flu vaccines given with a needle use inactivated virus particles. They are not made with a live virus and cannot cause infection.
Sometimes people still get sick after being vaccinated, but this is usually due to exposure before the shot had time to work, or because the body is still developing its immune response.
“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza,” Dr. Wilson says.
Myth # 2. The flu vaccine isn’t safe
Fact: Flu vaccines are safe and well-studied.
Flu vaccines have been safely administered for many decades. All flu vaccines go through rigorous safety testing and review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to the CDC, people with egg allergies — even severe ones — can safely receive any flu vaccine that’s right for their age and health, including those made with eggs.
Keep in mind that any vaccine can cause side effects, including the flu vaccine.
“All vaccines stimulate the immune system and can occasionally cause mild muscle aches and a low-grade fever,” Dr. Wilson says. “Flu vaccine symptoms are very rare, mild in nature and are nothing compared to influenza illness,” Dr. Wilson says.
While the flu vaccine is very safe for most people, a few precautions still matter:
Talk with your health care provider if the person getting the vaccine:
- Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of influenza vaccine or has any severe life-threatening allergies.
- Has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a flu shot
If you feel moderately or severely ill, it's best to wait until you feel better before getting the flu shot. However, if you only have mild symptoms, such as no fever or confusion, you can still get vaccinated.
Here are some other ways to protect yourself and others from the flu if you cannot get the flu shot:
- Wear a face mask when out in public
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your face
- Watch out for flu symptoms (headache, cough, congestion, chills, fever, body aches)
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay at home if you're sick
Myth # 3. I’m young and healthy – I don’t need it
Fact: The flu can affect anyone, and you can still spread it to others.
Even young, active people can get the flu — and while symptoms may be mild, you can still miss work, school or time with loved ones. More importantly, you can pass the illness to vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults and pregnant women, who face higher risks of complications.
The flu vaccine slows the spread of the influenza virus, helping to build herd immunity and protect the community.
Myth # 4. The flu shot isn’t very effective
Fact: It’s your best defense — even if it’s not 100%.
The flu shot's effectiveness varies each influenza season, but studies show it reduces illness by 40-60%. Even if you do get sick, vaccination helps prevent severe outcomes like hospitalization or death.
“The flu vaccine remains the best defense we have against a potentially lethal disease,” Dr. Wilson says.
Where to get a flu shot in San Diego
Flu vaccines are available across San Diego County, including flu vaccine clinics at most Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal primary care sites, which are open by appointment to all Scripps patients and to everyone on a walk-in basis at Scripps HealthExpress locations.
You can also visit the CDC’s Flu Vaccine Finder to find a vaccine location near you.