FAQs
With all of the different information about influenza circulating in the media and online, it can be hard to separate the facts from myths. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about seasonal flu, all of which have been verified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Q: Will I get the flu from the flu shot?
A: No. Flu vaccine is created from dead or inactive viruses that are not contagious.
Q: When should I get a flu shot?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinating as early as vaccine is available. Influenza usually occurs from November until April, with activity peaking between late December and early March.
Q: Why get a flu shot?
A: Influenza usually leaves its victims unable to function for several days and is responsible for an average of 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year. Getting an annual flu shot is your best protection.
Q: How effective is the flu shot?
A: The flu vaccine has been determined to be effective in preventing influenza in about 70 percent to 90 percent of healthy people under the age of 65 and is your best method of protection. Among elderly persons not living in chronic-care facilities and people with long-term medical conditions, the flu shot is 30 percent to 70 percent effective in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza. Among elderly nursing home residents, the flu shot is most effective in preventing severe illness, secondary complications, and deaths related to the flu.
Q: Do I need a flu shot every year?
A: Yes. Influenza viruses change every year. A new vaccine is used annually to fight the most current influenza virus.
Q: Who should get a flu shot?
A: The CDC recommends that you receive a flu shot if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting the flu
- People at high risk of having serious complications from influenza, including:
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years old
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities - People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
Q: Can I still get the flu after I get the flu shot?
A: Yes. Like other vaccines, flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective and does not take effect until approximately two weeks after it is received.
Q: Am I classified as high-risk?
A: You are classified as high-risk if you fall under one of the following categories:
- 65 years of age or older
- A household contact of persons at increased risk of influenza-related complications
- Have a chronic medical condition such as: asthma, or another lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, blood disease
- Have immune system problems caused either by disease (e.g., HIV or lymphoma)
or by medication (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy) - Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- A child or teenager, 6 months to 18 years of age, who is receiving long-term aspirin therapy (if under 18 years of age, see management at the clinic location for minimum age requirements)
- Healthcare workers
Q: What are the side effects of getting a flu shot?
A: For most people, vaccination causes no side effects. Less than 1/3 of those who receive a flu shot will experience some soreness at the vaccination site, and only 5 percent to 10 percent will suffer mild side effects such as low-grade fevers and headaches.
Q: Are vaccines with thimerosal (mercury-containing preservative) safe?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is aware that pregnant women, parents of young children, and others may have questions about the safety of thimerosal in vaccines against 2009 H1N1 flu. Here is some information to help you in making decisions.
If you have additional questions, please contact your Physician or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
Additional Q&A’s can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm.