4 Flu Vaccine Myths Debunked: Get the Facts
Separate flu vaccine facts from common misconceptions
Separate flu vaccine facts from common misconceptions
Key Takeaways
- The flu shot cannot give you the flu.
- Flu vaccines have a long record of safety and effectiveness.
- Even healthy people can get the flu and spread it to others.
- Find a Scripps flu clinic near you to get vaccinated.
Each year, some people skip getting their flu shot — often because of concerns or misconceptions about the vaccine.
But getting vaccinated remains 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 a flu vaccine every year for nearly everyone 6 months or older get vaccinated each year, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications, including adults 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant people and those with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
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 do not contain live influenza virus and cannot cause the flu. Most flu shots use inactivated virus particles.
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 have a long record of safety.
Flu vaccines have been used for many decades. All flu vaccines go through rigorous safety testing and review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Like other vaccines, they can cause side effects, but these are usually mild and go away on their own.
“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.”
People with egg allergies, including those who have had severe reactions to eggs, can receive any flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health.
Talk with your healthcare provider before vaccination if you:
- Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or has any severe life-threatening allergies
- Developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu vaccine
If you are moderately or severely ill, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting until you recover before getting a flu shot. However, if you only have a mild illness, such as a cold, 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, healthy people can get the flu. Symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches and fatigue can keep you away from work, school and everyday activities.
Getting vaccinated can lower your risk of getting the flu and help reduce its spread. This is especially important around people who are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu.
Myth 4: The flu shot isn’t very effective
Fact: It’s your best defense — even if it’s not 100%.
Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season. During seasons when vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of a flu-related medical visit by 40% to 60%, according to the CDC.
Even if you get the flu after vaccination, the vaccine may help make your illness less severe and lower your risk of hospitalization or other serious complications.
“The flu vaccine remains the best defense we have against a potentially lethal disease,” Dr. Wilson says.
Where to get a flu shot at Scripps
Scripps offers flu vaccines to Scripps patients by appointment at most Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center primary care offices. Flu shots are available to everyone on a walk-in basis at Scripps HealthExpress locations.
Find a Scripps flu clinic near you and check locations offering adult and pediatric flu vaccines.
Scripps patients can schedule appointments through MyScripps. Those without a MyScripps account can call 1-800-SCRIPPS (800-727-4777) for assistance.