It’s flu vaccine time. And with all the positive information out there regarding the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for children, the elderly and those with chronic illness, there is also some misinformation that prevents people from protecting themselves and others from this potentially serious illness. Here are some of the most prevalent myths, and the truth about the flu vaccine:
MYTH #1: I will get the flu or feel sick if I get the flu vaccine.
TRUTH: You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. The vaccine is NOT a live vaccine. You can experience side effects, with the most common being soreness or tenderness at the site of the injection. Because the vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the flu, you may experience a low grade fever or headache for a day or two- but this is much less common and is not the flu virus.
MYTH #2: I got the vaccine last year, so I don’t need it again.
TRUTH: Unfortunately, you do need to receive the vaccine every year. The flu vaccine’s effects decline as time goes on, and each year the flu virus changes. So, in order to be protected from the various strains from year to year, you need to get an annual flu vaccine.
MYTH #3: It’s better to just risk getting the flu rather than getting the flu vaccine.
TRUTH: It is definitely better to receive the vaccine than taking your chances with the flu virus. Flu can be a very serious illness and can last for up to two weeks. There can be very dangerous complications, particularly amongst adults who are at greater risk and children. Getting vaccinated is by far a safer choice!
MYTH #4: I’m allergic to eggs, so I can’t get the flu vaccine.
TRUTH: There is now a flu vaccine available for people who are allergic to eggs. It is made as an egg-free formula, so someone with an egg allergy can still be protected against the flu.
Besides an egg-free formula, there is also a flu vaccine available without mercury, and a nasal spray option, for those with additional concerns. Ask your doctor. Everyone should be able to find a flu vaccine they are comfortable with!
MYTH #5: I got the vaccine last year, and I still got the flu!
TRUTH: While it is still possible to get a strain of the flu that is not covered by the vaccine, even those who wind up having flu symptoms usually have a less severe illness than they would have if they didn’t get the vaccine.
MYTH #6: Flu season already started. It’s too late for me to be vaccinated.
TRUTH: Flu season usually begins in December and can last into May, so you can receive the vaccine as late as the end of March. However, it takes approximately two weeks for your body to build the antibodies to fight the flu, so October/November is the best time to be vaccinated. It’s not a good idea to put it off, but if you do – better late than never!
Many people don’t want to go to the doctor to receive a flu shot, but today it’s easier than ever to get your vaccine. Many stand-alone pharmacies or those located in stores offer the shot for a nominal fee, often less than paying your insurance co-pay. Protect yourself and your family by getting your flu shot today!
By Ellyn Troisi, RN, MPH, FNP-C
Ellyn is the Employee Health Nurse Practitioner at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
