5 Things Doctors Want You to Know About Flu Shots
By Jeffrey G. Stewart, MD, FAAFP
It’s a good time to get your flu vaccine.
Many people have questions or concerns about flu shots. Some are afraid to get one, unsure how often to get one (hint – once a year), or don’t understand the effectiveness and duration.
We know flu season is upon us, so below our doctors at Family Medicine Associates of Texas have answered the top questions we get about flu shots.
Photo by CDC on Unsplash
How long does a flu shot last?
Generally protection from a flu shot lasts for months, typically around 6 months, but true effectiveness and duration vary annually.
How effective a flu vaccine is, and how long it lasts, depends on a few factors including:
Age
Your overall current health
How well the specific vaccine matches the virus circulating that year
Now that last one is really important. The flu virus changes rapidly. There are multiple strains of flu viruses and they evolve over time. The vaccine is reformulated each year in anticipation of the strains expected to cause disease that year.
As flu viruses evolve over time, so too do vaccines, and even if you still get the flu one year, a flu shot can help reduce the severity of the illness and any coinciding complications.
Can the flu shot give you the flu?
One of the biggest misconceptions about the flu shot is that it gives you the flu. A flu shot contains either an inactivated (killed, dead) flu virus OR a single protein from the flu virus. Neither of these can cause infection, so no, a flu shot does not and cannot give you the flu.
Myth busted!
Is the flu shot safe?
Yes, flu vaccines are safe for most people. They are recommended for everyone aged 6 months or older. However for individuals who have had Guillain- Barré syndrome or for individuals with severe allergies to flu vaccines, you should consult with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine.
If you have an existing allergy to flu vaccines or Guillain-Barré, contact us today to discuss how to safely prepare for the upcoming flu season.
What are the side effects of the flu shot?
While the flu shot cannot give you the flu, some people may experience mild and short-lasting side effects. This can include soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, nausea, or fever. These are not common, and most people experience no side effects at all. Those who do though, usually see them disappear in 24-48 hours.
However, if you are allergic to flu vaccines, a severe reaction is possible including anaphylaxis or Guillain-Barré syndrome. If you are concerned about reacting to a flu vaccine, we are here to talk with you about any concerns.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
The best time to get a flu shot is early fall, and ideally no later than the end of October.
This means when August is over, it’s time to add “Get a flu shot” to your calendar app.
Other important questions we get about the flu vaccine
Should I get a flu shot if I am pregnant?
Yes! Pregnant women can safely get a flu shot – and should. A flu vaccine actually helps protect both mom and baby.
I am allergic to eggs. Can I still get a flu shot?
While people with egg allergies can generally receive regular flu vaccines, there are also egg-free options available. If you have a severe allergy to eggs or are prone to severe reactions, we’d recommend an egg-free option.
Is it safe to get both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
We know the pandemic created a lot of fear and uncertainty around vaccines. To cut through the noise and give you a simple answer, yes it safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines (or boosters) at the same time.
Come Get Your Flu Shot Today
If you haven’t gotten you flu shot or annual vaccines yet, set up an appointment with our team today with our easy-to-use online scheduling tool.