Overcoming 10 Myths About The Flu Vaccine

As a Pediatrician, I spend a lot of time every year trying to convince parents about the benefits of giving their kids a flu vaccine. There are so many myths out there when it comes to the flu vaccine. Just a lot of false information. Believe me, I’ve heard it all. I know this year has brought us a lot of certainty. So, I figure I’ll share with you the most common excuses I’ve heard and give you a little info on overcoming 10 myths about the flu vaccine.

🤥 Myth: The flu vaccine isn’t safe and can give me the flu

😇Truth: The flu vaccine is just as safe as any vaccine out there. The shot form of it is a killed/inactivated virus (just like many of the other vaccines out there), so you won’t get the flu from it. The nasal spray is made with live virus, and could give you the sniffles, but not the real-deal flu.

🤥Myth: If I get the flu vaccine, I’ll still get the flu

😇Truth: No vaccine is ever 100% protective, but the flu vaccine can reduce your flu risk by up to 60%.

🤥Myth: I shouldn’t get the flu vaccine because of all the COVID-19 uncertainty

😇Truth: This is exactly why you SHOULD get the flu vaccine! Getting the flu shot this season is more important than it was before. You’ve probably heard the big worry about a “twin-demic”. COVID + Flu is a bad combination! There’s years of research backing the flu vaccine. It’s best to stick with what you know (and still get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available)!

🤥Myth: I can’t get the flu shot because I don’t have a regular doctor

😇Truth: There are a lot of different places giving out flu vaccines. Besides your regular doctor, many employers, local pharmacies and clinics are also giving them out.

🤥Myth: I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu vaccine

😇Truth: Everyone should get a flu vaccine. It’s true that younger children, the elderly, and those with medical problems are at a higher risk of complications from the flu (like pneumonia). But, that doesn’t mean a healthy person is immune from getting it. It can make you feel pretty lousy for a week or more. You can read about my son’s experience with the flu here. Fevers, body aches, headaches, extreme tiredness, cough, congestion. Even if you’re healthy. you can still get pretty sick from the flu, and it can potentially be fatal.

🤥 Myth: Others in my house can’t get a flu shot, so I can’t either

😇Truth: You can protect yourself and everyone else around you by getting a flu vaccine. You may have family members or friends who won’t or can’t get a flu vaccine. If you protect yourself from getting the flu, you’re at least one less person they have to worry about catching it from.

🤥 Myth: I can wait until the flu hits my area before I get my flu shot

😇Truth: It takes the flu vaccine about 2 weeks to take full effect after you get it. So if you wait til the flu comes to town to get your flu shot, it’s probably too late. You should get your flu vaccine as soon as possible (ideally before January, but you can still get it all season long).

🤥 Myth: I can’t get the flu shot because I hate needles

😇Truth: The nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) is available this season if have a horrid fear of needles. You and your kids can get it if you’re between the ages of 2-49 and don’t have certain medical problems. Of note, the nasal vaccine wasn’t available for 2 seasons because it hadn’t been as effective. But it’s an alternative if you or your kids are terrified of getting a shot. Some protection is better than none!

But, seriously – think about the short-term fear/pain associated with getting the flu shot, compared to a week’s worth of horrible symptoms, and possible complications (including death) on top of it!

🤥 Myth: I got my flu shot last year, I don’t need one this year.

😇Truth: The reason we all have to get new flu shots every year is there are many different strains flu viruses. The most popular strains can change every flu season. So, the vaccine is changed every year to reflect the most common strains from the year before, to hopefully give you the most protection possible.

🤥 Myth: I can’t get a flu shot because I have an egg allergy.

😇Truth: You can! Talk to your doctor about it!

There you have it! I hope you now have every reason to go get your flu vaccine ASAP!

If you’ve been on the fence about giving your kids vaccines, this link addresses common vaccine concerns.

And though I’m a huge fan of vaccines, I also believe in natural remedies for the majority of childhood illnesses. If you’re looking for natural remedies to treat some of your kids’ illnesses, I encourage you to grab my helpful Natural Remedies printable as a part of my Balanced Mom Toolbox to keep on hand.

Other helpful resources related to overcoming 10 myths about the flu vaccine:

• Why I Give My Kids Vaccines
• Why I Gave My Kids The HPV Vaccine
• What To Do When Your Kid Has The Flu
• Benefits of The Flu Vaccine

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