The Truth Behind Common Flu Shot Misconceptions

As we move into fall, you might be feeling at the top of your game—you’ve made it a priority to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get stress under control. Plus, you’re one of those people who just doesn’t get sick very often. You might be wondering: Can I skip getting a flu shot?

Experts say you shouldn’t skip it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone over the age of 6 months receive an annual flu shot, which not only protects against the virus, but also helps reduce the odds of severe illness and protects vulnerable people.

So why do healthy people need the flu shot? Read on as we break it down—along with four other misconceptions about influenza vaccines.

Myth 1: I’m healthy, so I don’t need the flu shot.

Fact: You might be healthy, but others around you, such as immunocompromised individuals, people who are unable to be vaccinated, and are at risk for severe illness. It’s possible to spread the flu virus before you show symptoms—you might be infecting a vulnerable individual and not realize it. Getting the flu shot not only helps protect you but also those around you.

Myth 2: I got the flu after receiving the flu shot, so obviously the flu shot made me sick.

Fact: The flu shot contains an inactivated virus, which cannot give you influenza. If you are experiencing flu symptoms shortly after receiving your annual flu shot, there are a few different things that might be going on:

Your immune system might simply be reacting to the shot—which is a great sign that your body is making antibodies to fight against the inactivated flu strains in your vaccine—and your symptoms will probably last only a day or two.

It takes about two weeks to develop protection from the vaccine, but you might assume that because you got sick afterwards means the flu shot caused your illness.  

You could have contracted a different strain of the flu virus that your vaccine didn’t cover. There are many types, or strains, of the flu virus. Medical experts predict which strains are most likely to make people sick each year and make flu shots from those strains.

Remember: Getting vaccinated against the flu puts you at better odds of being protected from illness and stops the spread of flu viruses to others who may have increased risk of severe illness should they get the flu.

Myth 3: Severe side effects are common with the flu shot.

Fact: Severe side effects are rare, and the flu vaccine is proven to be safe. One to two people out of a million may get Guillain-Barré Syndrome, according to the CDC, which causes muscle weakness and paralysis, but these cases are few and far between. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the flu shot, so talk to your provider about any allergies you have or reactions to vaccines you’ve had in the past.

Myth 4: I’m pregnant, so I shouldn’t get the flu shot.

Fact: The inactivated flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their developing babies. The vaccine is especially important for a healthy pregnancy because pregnant people have weakened immune systems and are more likely to have severe illness with the flu.

Myth 5: My child is healthy, so we don’t have to worry about a flu vaccine.

Fact: While infants younger than 6 months are too young to receive the flu shot, it is safe and effective for children older than 6 months. Even healthy children can get sick from the flu, and because children are less likely to have immunity against flu viruses, they’re more likely to get infected. Young children in childcare settings are in close contact with each other and less likely to not cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough—ideal conditions for the spread of the flu virus.  

More about who should receive the flu vaccine:

Some people are at an increased risk of developing serious complications from the flu. It is extremely important that these people get the vaccine. They include those with:

• Long-term heart and lung conditions
• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes
• Kidney or liver disorders
• Weakened immune system from disease or medical treatment, including people with HIV or AIDS, or those taking long-term steroids or medicines to treat cancer
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease

It is also very important that others who have an increased risk of being exposed to the flu or are around people with increased risk for complications get the vaccine. This includes:

• Health care providers and other staff who provide care in hospitals, nursing homes, home health and other facilities
• Household members, including children, of people in high-risk groups

If you have questions about getting a flu vaccine, or would like to schedule a vaccination, please call Hedrick Family Care at 660-646-2682, Wright Memorial Physicians' Group at 660-358-5750, or Saint Luke's Mercer County Clinic at 660-707-4040.