5 flu shot myths busted: What you need to know this season

When was the last time you got a flu shot?

For some, it’s been a while. On average, only about half the U.S. population gets a flu vaccine each year.

Younger, healthy individuals often ask: Why bother? Others may be hesitant after reading common misconceptions or social media posts claiming flu shots make you sick.

The truth is, annual flu vaccines can save you (and others) from a lot of sickness — even if you’re generally in good health.

To help separate fact from fiction, we asked Sanam Desai, DO, an Endeavor Health family medicine physician, to break down five common flu shot myths, along with the facts.

1. MYTH: The flu vaccine will give you the flu.
   FACT: This isn’t possible. Flu vaccines are made with inactive or modified viruses to boost immunity without causing an infection. “Some people experience mild arm soreness or a low fever after getting vaccinated. It’s important to understand that these reactions aren’t the actual flu. It’s your immune system actively building antibodies to protect you,” said Dr. Desai.
    
2. MYTH: If you’re healthy, you don’t need a shot.
   FACT: Not only will a flu shot help protect you if you are infected with a flu virus, it can help protect the people around you. Certain individuals, such as seniors, infants, or those with compromised immune systems, can develop severe illness and complications if they are infected. “Being healthy doesn’t mean you’re immune to influenza. Even if you recover quickly, you can still spread the virus to someone who may be much more vulnerable to serious illness. Vaccination helps to protect the community,”  said Dr. Desai.  
    
3. MYTH: Flu shots don’t work anyway.
   FACT: While it’s true that how well the flu shot works varies from season to season, the shot always provides some benefit. Studies show it can reduce the risk of needing medical treatment for flu by 40-60 percent. It can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you catch the virus and reduce doctor visits and hospitalizations.
    
4. MYTH: The thimerosal in some shots is harmful.
   FACT: The Food and Drug Administration reports thimerosal has a long record of safe and effective use in preventing bacterial and fungal contamination of vaccines and does not cause ill effects other than hypersensitivity and minor local reactions at the injection site. Furthermore, single-dose, thimerosal-free flu vaccines are widely available for infants, kids, pregnant women, and adults who prefer them.
    
5. MYTH: The flu isn’t serious enough to warrant getting vaccinated.
   FACT: While many people who get the flu will recover within two weeks, some will develop complications from that flu that could be life-threatening. Complications of the flu may include pneumonia, heart inflammation, or worsening of chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. The annual flu shot can help minimize symptoms and prevent hospitalization and serious complications.

"Every year, I see healthy patients surprised by how hard the flu hits them. The vaccine remains our single best tool to keep mild symptoms from turning into missed work, hospital visits or worse,” said Dr. Desai.

When should you get vaccinated?

Health experts recommend getting your flu shot in early autumn, before flu activity reaches its peak in winter. Remember, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect. Protect yourself and those around you — get vaccinated.

Ready to schedule your flu shot?

Protect yourself and your loved ones this season. Schedule your annual flu shot through your MyEndeavor patient portal or visit a nearby Immediate Care Center today.