Diving into Misconceptions About Flu Vaccines

The flu season typically begins in October and peaks December through March, although it can last well into Spring to the month of May.

Vaccination is crucial for protection against the flu, however there are misconceptions surrounding flu vaccines. Diving into the misconceptions about the vaccine can help understand the benefits and symptoms that may come along with a vaccination.

Does the flu vaccine cause the flu and other illnesses?

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the dangerous and occasionally deadly influenza. Flu vaccines themselves do not cause the flu. These vaccines are made with dead flu viruses or use a single gene from a flu virus that can produce an immune response — without giving someone the actual flu.

Following a flu shot, some people are sore or have a minor headache or fever, symptoms that are much less severe than actual flu symptoms. These common symptoms come as the immune system responds to the vaccine and produces antibodies that protect the body from infection. Those who get sick with the flu following a vaccine were likely exposed to the flu virus shortly after the vaccination- it takes two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.

The common cold and other viruses are not protected by the flu vaccine, thus other types of illnesses including the “stomach flu” are still possible. Research has shown vaccinations including the flu vaccine have no ties to causing disabilities such as Autism.

Does waiting until the peak of flu season to get vaccinated increase protection from the worst of the flu season?

Waiting until the peak of flu season (December-March) is not the best way to protect yourself from the flu. While getting a flu vaccination is better late than never, the longer you wait to get a vaccination, the higher chance is you get the flu. Receiving a flu shot during the peak of the season does not provide full protection until two weeks after the vaccination. Being vaccinated before flu season begins is the best method to protect yourself, and your community from the flu.

 If I am pregnant or have pre-existing medical conditions is it safe to get the flu vaccination?

For nearly everyone over the age of six months, the flu vaccination is highly recommended. Even pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions should receive a flu vaccination and recommendation from a primary physician is not needed. Influenza is especially dangerous and can even be deadly to those with compromised immune systems. The only exceptions to being vaccinated apply to those who already experience moderate to severe illness prior to a vaccination or those who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness) after having the flu or other injections.

Proper screening should be followed by all who administer flu vaccinations to assure the person does not have allergies to components of the vaccine, including gelatin. All primary medical providers should be provided documentation of a person’s flu vaccination, regardless of who administered the shot. The nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe alternative to the shot for anyone ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant and do not have any other pre-existing medical conditions, including allergies to the vaccination.

Source: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention