Answers to the Most Common Questions About the Flu Shot

Every year, many people find themselves deciding whether or not they should get the flu shot. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting your yearly influenza immunization.

1. Does the flu vaccine work? The annual influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the disease. While getting vaccinated doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu, if you do, it will likely be less severe.

2. I got the flu shot last year, why do I have to get it again? You should get vaccinated yearly, because the virus changes very rapidly and immunity from the previous year's vaccine declines throughout the year. Even if you got a flu shot last year, you should still get another one this year.

3. What's the benefit to me? Getting your yearly influenza immunization will likely decrease your chance of severe complications from influenza, including hospitalization and death. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of people who get the flu experience secondary infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis or otitis. Preventing influenza also prevents these secondary problems associated with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 700,000 people were hospitalized last year for influenza-related illnesses.  

4. I don't get sick often so why should I get the flu shot? When you get your yearly influenza vaccination, you are not only protecting yourself, but also protecting the people you love and people in your community who are at higher risk for serious complications. Babies, elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for complications from influenza, including pneumonia and death.  

5. What if I can't afford to get the flu vaccine? Many employers offer free flu shots and the vaccines are also generally available at low cost from many pharmacies. Getting vaccinated saves you time and money. It allows you to stay at work (because you or your child will not develop serious illness); therefore reduces the time off you would need to take from work to care for your child, loved ones or yourself. Also, preventing hospitalizations means it will most likely also save you a hospital bill.

6. Can I get the flu shot if I am immunocompromised? If your immune system is weak due to conditions such as HIV, organ transplant or if you are pregnant, you can still get vaccinated with the inactivated flu shot.  

7.  Do I really need to vaccinate my child early? Getting your kids immunized can help prevent the spread of the virus to your family and to the rest of the community. Children easily transmit the virus among themselves in the classrooms and then they bring it home. 

8. Can I still get the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy? Many of the flu vaccines are raised in chicken eggs, and thus, there may be very small levels of egg protein in the vaccine. However, even if you have serious egg allergies, there is a flu vaccine preparation that is completely egg-free. The intranasal vaccine is also safe for patients with history of severe egg allergies.

9. What if the flu shot makes me sick? While you can't get the flu from the flu shot, some mild muscle aches and even a low grade fever are not uncommon for a day or two following the flu shot. However, these symptoms are nothing in comparison to influenza, which can cause high fever and severe debilitating muscle aches. And, depending on a person's immune system, the flu can progress to serious complications.

There are a lot of reasons why you should get your annual influenza vaccine. The vaccine is safe, easy to administer and inexpensive; it protects you and others against serious disease or death; and can be delivered in different preparations for your convenience. But the most important reason to get the flu shot is because it's the right thing to do! Talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot today.