Flu season is here!

Along with consistent handwashing, the best way to protect yourself from the flu, or Influenza, is to get your flu shot. There is a lot of misinformation around the influenza vaccine, so our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarah Weidhaas breaks it down some of the most common myths and the facts behind them.

MYTH: “I get the flu from the vaccine”

FACT: You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.

  • Influenza illness happens when the virus replicates thousands of times in your nose and travels into your lungs.
  • The injectable influenza vaccine contains proteins, not the active virus. It cannot replicate in your body.
  • There is 1 live vaccine option FluMist, but it has been altered and cannot replicate at body temperatures.
  • If you get sick shortly after receiving your flu vaccine, it is likely because you already contracted an illness.
  • You may experience mild fevers, body aches, and fatigue because your body is working to make antibodies.

MYTH: “There is Mercury in the flu vaccine”

FACT: The preservative once used in some vaccines, Thimerosal, is a form mercury that is rapidly degraded by the body. It does not accumulate like natural forming methylmercury.

  • Since 1997, this preservative is no longer used in routinely recommended vaccines, including influenza vaccines, used in the U.S.

MYTH: The risks don’t outweigh the benefits.

Fact: Influenza is one of the most serious vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S.

  • Each year, influenza causes around 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands to tens of thousands of deaths
  • It also increases your risk of opportunistic infection, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic conditions.

When should you avoid the influenza vaccine?

There is only 1 true contraindication (reason to avoid) getting a flu vaccine, which is severe allergic reaction to a component (ingredient) in the vaccine.

Other Precautions Include:

  • Having a moderate or severe illness at the time of vaccination
  • History of Guillain Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccine
  • If you have a history of anaphylaxis to eggs you can still get the vaccine. You’ll be observed for 15-30 minutes after as a precaution.

You can get your flu shot at any of our Health Centers and many local pharmacies. If you have questions, reach out to your Primary Care Provider!