Today we will be talking about the misconceptions about the flu vaccine. Many of you might have heard that the flu shot can give me the flu or you might have asked yourself, “do I really need a flu shot every year?” Well today you will find out the answers to these and several others that relate to your flu vaccine. It is very easy to get caught up into what is fact or fiction, but today you will find out the truth about your flu shot that you will receive from Good for All.
~ Can a flu shot give you the flu?: NO! A flu shot cannot cause the flu. When flu vaccinations are made the vaccine is either made with a flu vaccine virus that has been ‘inactivated’ and is not infectious or the vaccine can be made with no flu vaccine virus at all, known as a recombinant vaccine. The most common side effects from the influenza shot are: soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches could also occur.
~ What about serious reactions to the flu shot?: Serious reactions to the influenza vaccination is very rare. If a reaction does occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after receiving the flu shot. Serious reactions can be life-threatening; however there are effective treatments that are available in the case of a serious reaction.
~ Do I really need a flu vaccine every year?: YES! It is recommended for everyone that is 6 months and older to receive their flu shot yearly. The reason for this is that a person’s immune protection from the vaccination declines over time, so receiving your flu shot yearly is needed to get the best protection against the flu each year.
~ Are there really benefits to getting a flu vaccine?: There are numerous reasons as to why you should receive your flu shot. Here are a few of those benefits: flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick from the flu, flu vaccines can help protect people who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from the flu and flu vaccinations can also reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, such as hospital visits.
~ Is it too late to get vaccinated after Thanksgiving?: NO! Getting vaccinated can be beneficial no matter what time you receive your flu shot if the vaccines are still available at your local pharmacy. The flu vaccines become available in the fall, but if you haven’t received yours by Thanksgiving, it can still be protective to get vaccinated in December or even in the months to come. The flu can be unpredictable and getting your flu shot will protect you from the flu!
If you have any further questions after reading this do not hesitate to call or visit your pharmacist here at Good for All!