7 flu vaccine myths, busted

Wondering if you need a flu shot this fall? According to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, people failed to properly wash their hands 97% of the time. That’s a free ticket for the influenza virus to take a ride with you and with everyone else you come in contact with. So it’s no surprise that the flu can spread so easily.

That makes your yearly flu shot super important, especially if you’re 65 or older. But only about half of Americans actually get the annual flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Keep reading to clear up any confusion about the flu vaccine.

Myth #1: Only older adults and babies need a flu shot

Actually, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot. Getting the flu shot protects you and everyone around you. It’s especially important for adults age 65 and older, kids under age 5, pregnant women, and anyone with a health condition like asthma or diabetes. They’re at high risk of complications, including hospitalization.

And adults 65 and older are most affected by severe flu. Between 50% and 70% of flu-related hospitalizations happen to people in this age group, says the CDC.

Myth #2: You can get the flu from a flu shot

The truth is you can’t get the flu from a flu shot, which uses dead viruses that can’t make you sick. That doesn’t mean the flu-like symptoms some people feel after getting their shot are imagined. “Your body has to respond to the vaccine,” says Kisha Davis, M.D., medical director of the Casey Health Institute in Gaithersburg, Maryland. “So you might have some side effects that mimic the flu, such as runny nose, fever, and body aches.” These minor side effects usually last one or two days. If you’re concerned about side effects, contact your doctor.

Myth #3: You shouldn’t get a flu shot too early

“It takes two weeks for the vaccine to be effective,” Dr. Davis says. You’ll get the most benefit if you get a flu shot as soon as they’re available since flu cases can pop up in the fall. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated by the end of October. But if you miss that deadline, don’t worry. Get the shot anyway.

Myth #4: It’s too late to get a flu shot in January

Flu season peaks in January and February, but flu cases can occur as late as March or April. Though it’s best to get a flu shot sooner rather than later, you can still benefit from getting one in late January or early February, Dr. Davis says.

Myth #5: A flu shot only protects you from certain strains

Every year, scientists around the world gather data about which strains of the flu are likely to be most common during the upcoming season. They use that information to create a vaccine that’s effective against those viruses. Getting the shot means you’ll be less likely to get sick with the flu, says the CDC. And if you do get sick, you’ll have a milder case.

Myth #6: Everybody gets the same flu shot

The CDC now recommends that people 65 and older get a higher-dose flu shot. That’s because these vaccines may be more effective for older adults than standard-dose vaccines. There are three high-dose vaccine options. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which one is right for you.

Myth #7: You can’t get your flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 shot

It’s safe to get a flu shot at the same time you receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It can be more convenient to get them at the same time instead of two separate visits to the doctor or pharmacy. A recent study showed that you may be slightly more likely to experience some side effects if you get both shots at the same time, but these reactions tend to be mild and go away quickly.

Additional sources:
Handwashing statistics: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Flu vaccine statistics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Flu and people over 65: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Timing of flu vaccines: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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