FLU VACCINE

Are flu vaccines safe?

Yes, flu vaccines have a good safety record. Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received them over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines.

Getting a flu vaccine is the first—and best—way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?

No, flu vaccines don’t cause the flu. The vaccines either contain an inactivated virus, which means the viruses are no longer infectious, or they contain a particle that’s designed to resemble a flu virus—which stimulates your immune system's response. While the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they can’t give you the flu.

Do flu vaccines cause any side effects?

Like any medical product, vaccines can have side effects. However, these side effects are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days.

Common side effects from the flu shot include:

• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle aches

The flu shot, like other injections, can occasionally cause fainting.

Some studies have indicated a potential small association between the injectable flu vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Overall, these studies estimated the risk for GBS after vaccination as fewer than one or two cases of GBS per one million people vaccinated. However, other studies have yielded no association. And GBS rarely occurs after flu illness. Even though GBS following flu illness is rare, GBS is more common following flu illness than following flu vaccination. GBS has not been associated with the nasal spray vaccine.

Are there signs or symptoms that should cause concern after getting a flu vaccine?

After any vaccine, look for any unusual conditions, such as a high fever, behavior changes, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or wheezing
• Swelling around the eyes or lips
• Hives
• Paleness
• Weakness
• A fast heart beat or dizziness

Life threatening allergic reactions to the flu shot are rare. These signs would most likely happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine is administered.

Are there some people who should not receive a flu vaccine?

CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccination with rare exceptions. Individuals who can’t get the flu shot include the following:

• Children younger than 6 months
• Individuals with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient(s) in the vaccine

Individuals should talk with their doctor before getting the flu shot if they:

• Have had a severe allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
• Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
• Are not feeling well.

Because there are multiple flu vaccines available, each individual will receive the best vaccine for their age. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions regarding which flu vaccine options are best for you and your family.

Should pregnant women receive a flu vaccine?

Yes, pregnant women should get a flu shot to protect themselves and their developing babies.