As we get into the swing of flu season, even though disease activity is low right now, I thought I would jump ahead of the Google self-proclaimed research scholars and discuss common misconceptions regarding the influenza vaccine. Please see common statements made by people trying to avoid getting their annual vaccine:
I got a flu shot in February of this year. I don’t need another one. Answer: False
Per the CDC, everyone age 6 months and older needs an annual influenza vaccine. Flu season is generally October to April. Therefore, a vaccine given in February was intended for previous season. The formula for the vaccine changes each year based on predicted flu activity. A recent study showed that adults over the age of 50 who received a flu vaccine were 57 percent less likely to be admitted to a hospital due to influenza.
The flu shot makes you sick. Answer: False
The injectable influenza vaccine is composed of inactivated virus and cannot cause influenza. The nasal form of the vaccine does contain live viruses but they are weakened and thus cannot cause influenza. Only the injectable form of the vaccine is being recommended this year.
Common potential reactions following the injection are redness at site of administration, low grade fevers, or muscle aches. In a randomized trial of individuals receiving an injection of sugar water versus an influenza vaccine, the reactions from both were about the same.
Some possible explanations for why people may feel ill following an influenza injection include being exposed to a similar virus or having a different strain of influenza not covered in the vaccine. Individuals who receive an influenza vaccine may still be infected with the influenza virus later in the season but researchers believe that the illness will most likely be less severe.
Women who are pregnant should not get a flu shot. Answer: False
An influenza vaccine helps protect women during and after pregnancy. In addition, the protection extends to the developing baby up until about four months after delivery. Furthermore, it has been shown that vaccination against influenza reduced flu-inspired respiratory infections by half.
I don’t have a regular doctor so I cannot receive a flu shot. Answer: False
Flu clinics are everywhere and in some cases totally free. Check local papers for a clinic near you. Pharmacists can also administer vaccinations. Please contact your local pharmacy for availability.
The influenza vaccine works immediately so I will wait until November or December to get it.
Answer: False
It takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop and be effective in protecting againstinfluenza infection. Therefore, it is recommended to receive the immunization early in theseason before large cases of influenza are present in community.
Last but not least, immunizations do not cause autism and they are not ploys by the government to inject the US population with harmful chemicals. Immunizations over the years have proven repeatedly that they are safe for the general population. Do your part to keep our communities healthy: go get your influenza vaccine today!
Your family doctor,
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.
Assistant Professor
SLUCare Family Medicine
yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com
