Every fall, as flu season approaches, so do the rumors and misunderstandings about the flu shot. You’ve probably heard someone say they got the flu from the vaccine, or that healthy people don’t really need it. The truth is that the flu shot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community during flu season. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths with the facts you should know.
Myth #1: The flu shot can give you the flu.
Fact: The flu shot can’t give you the flu.
Flu vaccines are made with inactivate virus (or no virus at all, depending on the type), which means they can’t cause infection. Some people may feel mild side effects like a sore arm, low-grade fever, or fatigue for a day or two but that’s your immune system doing its job, not illness.
Myth #2: I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu shot.
Fact: Even healthy people can get the flu and potentially spread it to others.
The flu can affect anyone, but it’s especially dangerous for people with chronic conditions, pregnant individuals, older adults, and young children. When healthy people get vaccinated, they contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who are more vulnerable by reducing community spread.
Myth #3: The flu isn’t that serious.
Fact: The flu can lead to serious complications.
The flu isn’t “just a bad cold.” It can lead to hospitalization and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Getting vaccinated each year is one of the best ways to lower your risk of severe illness and keep your community safer.
Myth #4: I got the flu shot last year, so I’m covered.
Fact: You need a flu shot every year.
Flu viruses change over time, and vaccine protection naturally fades. That’s why experts recommend getting vaccinated each flu season, ideally in the early fall, before cases peak.
Myth #5: It’s too late to get a flu shot.
Fact: It’s almost never too late to get vaccinated.
While getting your shot early offers the most protection, you can still benefit from the flu vaccine later in the season. Flu activity can last well into spring, so even a late shot is better than no shot at all.
Protect Yourself & Your Community
The flu shot is recommended for individuals over six months old with rare exceptions. Flu season is unpredictable, but getting vaccinated is a proven way to reduce your risk and help protect the people around you. Talk to your pharmacist or physician today about your flu shot.
About RevanRx
Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.