Misinformation about the flu vaccine may keep some people from getting a shot. Don’t let flu shot myths prevent you from getting vaccinated and protecting yourself against influenza.
MYTH: The flu vaccine will give you the flu.
It is not possible to get the flu from the vaccine. A shot contains dead flu virus cells or no virus at all. The flu shot helps your body recognize the flu so that when it comes into contact with the virus, it will know what to do.
MYTH: You don’t need a flu shot every year.
The main reason you should get a shot each year is that the flu virus is constantly changing and evolving into new strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tries to figure out which flu strains will be the most prevalent and works with vaccine manufacturers to make the specific vaccine that will fight the predicted strains for the year.
MYTH: Children should not get a flu shot.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. Getting a shot can reduce your risk of contracting the flu by at least 40 to 60 percent. Pregnant women and children are among those at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
MYTH: The flu shot only works for certain people.
While no vaccine is perfect, the flu shot is formulated annually based on the influenza strains projected to be circulating. There is still a chance you may get the flu even if you were vaccinated. However, the illness tends to be milder than it would be without a shot.
Need a flu shot? Schedule one now at your local CityDoc Urgent Care clinic.
Source: The Exponent Telegram
Misinformation about the flu vaccine may keep some people from getting a shot. Don’t let flu shot myths prevent you from getting vaccinated and protecting yourself against influenza.
MYTH: The flu vaccine will give you the flu.
It is not possible to get the flu from the vaccine. A shot contains dead flu virus cells or no virus at all. The flu shot helps your body recognize the flu so that when it comes into contact with the virus, it will know what to do.
MYTH: You don’t need a flu shot every year.
The main reason you should get a shot each year is that the flu virus is constantly changing and evolving into new strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tries to figure out which flu strains will be the most prevalent and works with vaccine manufacturers to make the specific vaccine that will fight the predicted strains for the year.
MYTH: Children should not get a flu shot.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. Getting a shot can reduce your risk of contracting the flu by at least 40 to 60 percent. Pregnant women and children are among those at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
MYTH: The flu shot only works for certain people.
While no vaccine is perfect, the flu shot is formulated annually based on the influenza strains projected to be circulating. There is still a chance you may get the flu even if you were vaccinated. However, the illness tends to be milder than it would be without a shot.
Need a flu shot? Schedule one now at your local CityDoc Urgent Care clinic.
Source: The Exponent Telegram