Flu Shots: Facts and Fiction to Consider
Influenza (flu) is far more dangerous than a bad cold. It’s a disease of the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year many people around the world die because of the flu.
2. The shot can give you the flu.
Flu vaccines are made from inactivated viruses. This type of vaccine cannot give you the flu.
3. Even if I get a flu shot, I can still get the flu.
This can happen, but the flu shot usually protects most people from the flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can cause illnesses like the common cold or COVID-19.
4. The vaccine is not 100% effective, so I’m better off getting the flu.
No vaccine is 100% effective. However, if you get a flu shot but still get the flu, you are likely to be far less sick than you would have been without the protection.
5. The side effects are worse than the flu.
The most common side effects of a flu shot are mild, like redness, swelling, soreness, or a low-grade fever. This should go away within a few days. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.
6. Not everyone can get a flu shot.
If you had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past you might not want to get a flu shot. Egg allergies are no longer a contraindication to receiving the vaccine according to authorities in China and abroad since the egg content is extremely low.
photo source: Bigstock
If you have a high fever or suffering from
acute illness, you will need to postpone the shot. Some flu shot brands will
list neomycin or gentamicin allergies as one of the contraindications, please
check the patient consent form or ask your doctor or nurse if you have
questions.
7. I already got the flu shot last year.
The flu vaccine composition is different each year, and the duration of protection will decline over 6 to 12 months, so annual injections are recommended.
8. Only the very old or sick need a flu shot.
Children and adults in good health should get a flu shot to stay healthy. Even if you aren’t at high risk of complications, you should get a flu shot to prevent the flu and to protect everyone you live with and are in contact with (especially if you are living with elderly or young babies who cannot get the flu shot since they are less than 6 months old or taking care of sick family members).
9. I am pregnant/plan to get pregnant/breastfeeding.
Flu vaccines are safe for the baby and the mother. It will help prevent complications of severe influenza and is recommended by both the United States and Chinese CDC throughout the whole pregnancy period as well as for those who are planning to get pregnant.
It is recommended for breastfeeding mothers to receive a flu shot. Since the minimum age to get a shot is 6 months old, babies younger than that can get protection through antibodies transmitted through breast milk.
Please talk to your doctor if you have concerns about receiving a flu shot.
photo source: Bigstock
10. I am too busy to get a flu shot, do I need to make a doctor’s appointment first?
Flu shots are available at all our hospitals and satellite clinics in Beijing. In most cases, a doctors's appointment is not necessary (except for children under 3 years old or pregnant women). Scan the QR code below or call our 24 hours hotline 4008-919191 to book your appointment.
11. Can I receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines together?
No, according to the present Chinese CDC guideline, you need to wait at least 14 days before getting another vaccine.
12. What does this year's flu shot contain?
Each year the WHO meets to decide on the composition of the flu shot for the coming flu season. In this year's flu vaccine, one of the A (H1N1) strains is new.
Dr. Zhang graduated from the University of California, San Francisco in 1989. She worked for the South San Francisco Kaiser Permanente Hospital before returning to China in 2001. She has extensive experience in hospital pharmacies, in particular, promoting pharmaceutical care in multi-disciplinary areas and ensuring medication use safety. She is a registered pharmacist in both China and California.