Questions & answers about the flu vaccine
Why should I be vaccinated?
Influenza is a serious disease and people of any age can get it. Infection with influenza viruses can result in illness ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening complications. In an average year, the flu causes 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations in the United States. By receiving the flu vaccination you protect yourself and you help protect your family and friends from this potentially fatal disease.
When is the ideal time to be vaccinated?
The best time to get vaccinated is from October through November. Flu activity generally peaks between late December and March.
If I am not vaccinated by November, is it too late?
You can still benefit from getting vaccinated, even if flu is present in your area. Vaccine should be offered throughout the flu season as long as it is still available.
Does the flu vaccine work right away?
No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the influenza virus. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu. That is why it's better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season really gets under way.
Can I get the flu even if I had the flu vaccine?
Yes. If you do get the flu after having the flu vaccine, it will likely be a far milder case than you otherwise would have had. The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on two things:
- The age and health status of the person getting vaccinated
- The "match" between the virus strains in the vaccine and the virus strains in the air this flu season
Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?
Flu viruses change from year to year, which means:
- You can get the flu more than once in a lifetime. The immunity that is built up from having the flu caused by one virus strain doesn't always provide protection when a new strain is circulating.
- A vaccine made against flu viruses last year may not protect against the new viruses this year. The vaccine is updated to include current viruses every year.
Are there risks from getting a flu vaccine?
There are risks associated with all vaccines. In very rare cases a vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. Almost all who get the vaccine have no serious problems.
Which vaccine is right for me?
Your health care provider can help you determine which vaccine is right for you. Here are some general guidelines:
| Flu shot | Intranasal FluMist |
Indicated
for:
Should NOT be given to:
|
Indicated
for:
Should NOT be given to:
|
Will I get the flu from the flu vaccine?
| Flu shot | Intranasal FluMist |
| No. The shot is made from killed or 'dead' viruses so you cannot get the flu from it. | No. FluMist contains weakened live versions of the flu that are designed to help protect the body from getting the flu without causing influenza-like illness. |
What side effects can occur from the flu vaccine?
| Flu shot | Intranasal FluMist |
| The most common side effects are soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, and low fever. If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days. | Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Runny nose is the most common. Others include various cold-like symptoms such as headache, cough, sore throat, tiredness/weakness, irritability, and muscle aches. Fewer than 1% of the people who receive FluMist have a serious reaction to the vaccine. |
Can I get the flu shot if I am pregnant or may be pregnant?
| Flu shot | Intranasal FluMist |
| Yes. Flu shots are considered safe for pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. | No. Pregnant women should not use FluMist. |
Looking for more information?
- Talk with your health care provider
- Find a doctor
- Find out about the Aurora VNA flu clinics