Flu Shot Myths vs. Facts

Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu.

Fact:

Flu shots cannot cause the flu. They use inactivated virus or specific parts of the virus to help your immune system build protection.

Myth: You don’t need a flu shot every year.

Fact:

Flu viruses change over time, and the vaccine is updated each year to protect against strains expected to circulate that season.

Myth: Flu shots aren’t safe during pregnancy.

Fact:

Flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy and can help protect both the pregnant person and baby from serious flu complications.

Myth: The flu is just a bad cold.

Fact:

Influenza can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and complications, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Myth: People with egg allergies can’t get a flu shot.

Fact:

People with egg allergies can receive flu vaccines that are appropriate for their age and health.

Myth: Healthy people don’t need a flu shot.

Fact:

Healthy habits support overall wellness, but they do not prevent influenza. Even healthy people can get the flu and spread it to others.

Myth: Flu vaccines cause dangerous side effects.

Fact:

Most side effects are mild and temporary. Serious reactions are rare.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism.

Fact:

Extensive research has found no causal link between vaccines and autism.

Myth: Natural immunity is better.

Fact:

Getting sick may provide immunity, but it also comes with the risk of serious complications. Vaccination builds protection without requiring you to become ill first.

Myth: If everyone else gets vaccinated, I don’t have to.

Fact:

Vaccination helps protect you and can also help reduce the spread of flu to people who may be more vulnerable.