Flu shots: Myths vs facts
Don't let flu myths keep you from getting your flu (also called influenza) shot.
September 11, 2023 | 2-minute read
Many people have reasons why they don’t get their flu shot, but they may not have the best flu shot information. The flu facts you’ll find in these myth busters will provide information that getting vaccinated is your best protection against getting the flu.
Myth: Having the flu builds up your immunity better than the flu shot.
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.
Myth: I got the flu shot last year. I don't need it again this year.
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.
Myth: You can get the flu from the flu shot.
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.
Myth: It's so late in the season, I don't need the flu shot this year.
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.
Myth: People over 65 need a special shot because the normal one is dangerous.
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.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. cdc.gov/flu/prevention/misconceptions.html. Sept. 6, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About influenza. cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/flu.html. December 20, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html. September 17, 2024.
Grohskopf LA, Ferdinands JM, Blanton LH, Broder KR, Loehr J. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–25 influenza season. MMWR Recomm Rep 2024;73(No. RR-5):1–25