Can you get the flu from a flu shot?

NO. Contrary to popular belief there is no evidence showing that flu vaccines cause the flu. The injectable vaccines are inactivated and are not infectious. Your body takes one to two weeks to create an immune response, so during this time you are still susceptible to the flu.

The flu vaccine may cause some redness around the injection site or body aches, and this is likely your body’s early immune response against the vaccine. The GOOD NEWS is, these symptoms tend to only last a few days, and are significantly less severe than the symptoms you would experience from the flu itself.

NO. The flu can cause serious disease even among healthy individuals. Complications from the illness may include hospitalization and death, and populations such as children, elderly, and those with chronic health conditions are a higher risk. Vaccination is a healthier choice, prevents spread of the flu to others in the community, and helps you avoid those dreadful flu symptoms!

YES. Vaccination tends to reduce the risk of flu illness by 40 to 60 percent and can reduce risk of hospitalization by 79 percent. Flu vaccine researchers predict what strains of flu virus will be circulating in the coming year and “match” the vaccine to the flu virus. Viruses are constantly changing, and they can change throughout the course of the flu season, so protection will never be a 100 percent guarantee. The GOOD NEWS is you may increase your protection against the flu if more people in your community get vaccinated, and get vaccinated early!

NO. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October before the flu starts spreading in your community. However, the flu season can extend as late as May, so it is still beneficial to get vaccinated even in the spring. REMEMBER, the vaccine can take up to two weeks to start working, so the earlier you receive the vaccine the better.

YES. There are many circulating viruses that can cause the flu or flu-like illnesses, so even if you have had the flu you are susceptible to illness again by other viruses. Getting vaccinated will only improve your chances of preventing further illness even if you have already been sick!

YES. As mentioned, the flu can cause serious disease even among healthy individuals. If you take great care in washing your hands regularly, flu can spread through the air when a person coughs, sneezes, and even talks! Also, healthy people can be carriers of the flu and can spread the illness to others in the community without knowing it.

NO. This is a very common misconception that thimerosal (a preservative used in vaccines to reduce mercury exposure) causes autism. Due to public concerns, thimerosal has been removed from most vaccines and decreased to trace amounts in others. However, autism rates continue to rise in the United States. Extensive research has been conducted around this topic, which shows us there is no link between the flu vaccine and autism.

NO. This is another common misconception. There have been thoughts that extremely large amounts of aluminum may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease; however, the trace amounts contained in the flu vaccine have not been shown to put people at risk. FACT: People are exposed to more aluminum from other sources such as air, water, food, breast milk, formula, medications, cosmetics, and baking ingredients on a daily basis than what is contained in the flu vaccine.

As for narcolepsy, the H1N1 vaccine given to patients in Europe in 2009 did have an association with causing narcolepsy in a few people. The GOOD NEWS is, per the World Health Organization, no other vaccine has shown any association with narcolepsy.

NO. As mentioned, thimerosal and aluminum in vaccines have not been linked to toxicity. Another cause for concern in some people is the formaldehyde contained in vaccines. The major cause for concern from formaldehyde come from breathing it, but the trace amounts contained in vaccine has long been shown to be safe. An exception to this evidence is when people have a true allergy to ingredients in vaccines. Those with allergy concerns should always consult their doctor before receiving any vaccines or medications.

YES. Although flu vaccines are produced using eggs, they only contain a very small amount of egg protein. Recently the CDC updated their recommendations with the following: people with a history of egg allergy who experience hives after egg exposure can now receive any flu vaccine. For those that have severe allergic reactions to eggs such as swelling, difficulty in breathing, or vomiting should receive their flu vaccine in a medical setting and should be supervised afterwards. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider if you have a history of egg allergy before receiving the vaccine..

NO. As mentioned, viruses are the cause of the flu and antibiotics only work against bacteria. Taking antibiotics will do nothing to help your flu symptoms. The BAD NEWS is, taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause bacteria to become resistant and puts you at risk for medication side effects. The best way to prevent the flu and complications of the flu is to get vaccinated.