Seven flu vaccine myths, busted

Wondering if you need a flu shot this fall? Consider this: Just 46% of Americans say they are “most likely” to wash their hands after sneezing or coughing, according to the 2024 Healthy Handwashing Survey. That’s a free ticket for the influenza virus to take a ride with you and with everyone else you encounter. So, it’s no surprise that the flu can spread so easily.

That makes your yearly flu shot super important. But less than half of Americans actually get an 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 

According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot. It helps protect both you and those around you. The vaccine is especially important for adults 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant women, and people with health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, as they’re at higher risk for serious complications, including hospitalization. 

Older adults are particularly affected by severe flu. In fact, the CDC reports that people 65 and older account for 50% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations.

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., chief health officer for Montgomery County, 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. Bring up any concerns you have about side effects with your doctor, says Dr. Davis. It may help to time your shot to a particular day of the week or time of day when you can rest and take it easy.

Myth #3: The flu shot starts working right away. 

“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, and as early as September. 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 generally have a milder case.

Myth #6: Everybody gets the same flu shot 

The CDC now recommends that people ages 65 and older get a higher-dose flu shot. That’s because these vaccines may be more effective for older adults. 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 shot 

It’s safe to get a flu shot while also receiving an updated COVID vaccine. It can be more convenient to get them at the same time, instead of making two separate visits to the doctor or pharmacy.

Participants in a 2024 JAMA Network Open study were split into two groups: one group received their flu and COVID shots in the same visit, while the other group received their shots eight to 15 days apart. The percentage of people who experienced mild reactions, such as pain and swelling at the injection site, was similar across both groups.