Flu Shot FAQ’s

by ‘Wendell Hoffman, MD, Sanford Health

Flu Shot FAQ’s: Myths & Facts

As a physician and specialist in infectious disease, each fall I prepare and advocate for all of my patients and colleagues to get a flu vaccine. And every year, there’s some skepticism or misconceptions that I try to dispel. tion that vaccination may modify the severity

Here are some commonly asked questions about influenza and the flu vaccine that you may have as well:

If I haven’t gotten the flu before, do I need to get a vaccine? Why?

very old, overweight or immunocompro

Yes, absolutely — for the same reason you put your seat belt on every time you drive, even if you haven’t had an accident.

The flu season can go until late spring — should I wait to get my vaccine?

No, you should get your vaccine as soon as of a sore arm, mild achiness, perhaps very

they’re available. The flu season begins in October, and some years we see early peaks in November and December.

The earlier you are vaccinated, the better the virus throughout the year.

As with any vaccine, it will take about two weeks to reach maximum antibody response.

If I got a flu shot last year, do I need to get one this year, too?

Yes. There are constant changes in the makeup of the influenza virus, so getting vaccinated every year is highly advised.

Is it possible to get the flu after getting the vaccine?

Not all strains of the flu are in the vaccine, so there’s still a chance you may contract influenza even if you’ve been vaccinated. However, we shouldn’t let perfect get in the way of good. Vaccination isn’t solely about prevention. There’s a generally accepted noof the flu.

This is particularly important for people who are at an increased risk for complications of the flu, including those who are very young, mised. The flu is a potential killer to those at risk for complications.

Are there side effects or risks of getting a flu shot?

There are some minimal possible side effects chance you’ll have of being protected from

low-grade fever.

You can’t get the flu from the flu vaccine — just like you can’t get tetanus from a tetanus vaccine or hepatitis from a hepatitis vaccine. The vaccines in use this year are not live strains, so it is biologically impossible to get the flu from the flu vaccine.

I’m pregnant — should I get a flu shot?

Absolutely. Pregnancy has been identified as its own category of risk for complications.

I’m breastfeeding — should I get a flu shot?

Absolutely. It will help prevent the flu from being transmitted to your very vulnerable young child. l

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