There are tons of myths and misconceptions out there about the flu shot. Time to break some of them down and set the record straight!
Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on September 29, 2022.
Myth: The flu vaccine causes the flu.
Fact: Nope! There are multiple formulations of the influenza vaccine, both injectable and a nasal spray. Flu shots contain inactivated virus or small pieces of the virus and cannot cause the flu. The nasal spray contains live virus that has been attenuated. This means that the virus has been altered to be too weak to cause an infection. This also does not cause the flu.
“But wait!” you may say, I felt sick after getting the flu shot! Mild side effects are common after the flu shot and include low grade fever, sore arm, headaches, and muscle aches. Other than sore arm, the side effects happened at the similar rate even when people got a placebo vaccine. The flu vaccine also takes some time to be effective (up to 2 weeks). If you were exposed to the flu before the flu vaccine kicked in, you can get the flu before you have had a chance to develop an immune response. Of course, your symptoms could also be from a different virus. Many viruses have similar symptoms, like the virus that causes COVID-19. Flu vaccines only protect against the specific strains of influenza included in the vaccine.
Myth: Once I’ve had the flu shot, I can’t get the flu.
Fact: If only! Flu vaccines are about 40-60% effective, depending on the year and how well the vaccine matches the strains of influenza circulating in a community. But do not fret! It is still super important to get the flu vaccine. Flu vaccination reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from influenza. There is no recommendation for one type of flu vaccine over the other. Pick the one that is licensed for your age and health status and is readily available. Your healthcare team can help you choose.
Myth: I have an egg allergy so I can’t get the flu vaccine.
Fact: Any vaccine (even the ones made in eggs) can be given to someone with an egg allergy. Studies that looked at people with egg allergy who received an egg-based vaccine have not found any cases of anaphylaxis or serious allergic reactions. If you are still nervous about it, there are flu shots made totally egg-free.
Myth: The flu shot is not for me.
Fact: Getting the flu shot is more important than ever. Flu vaccination can help prevent the dreaded “twindemic” of both flu and COVID-19 spreading at the same time. Reducing the risk of flu will help reduce the risk of overwhelming medical resources or catching both at the same time (Fluvid? Coflu? Either way, bad news bears).
Big picture: Getting the flu shot is an effective way to keep people from getting the flu as well as reduce illness severity, hospitalization, and death. If you have questions about flu vaccination, talk with your primary care clinician.
Flu-free is the way to be. Lots of love.
Those Nerdy Girls
Further reading:
Misconceptions About Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines
Full flu vaccine recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Info about flu and flu vaccine from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Info about flu and flu vaccine from the American Academy of Family Physicians
