Flu season is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about when you’ll get your flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself. The importance of getting a flu vaccine this year is higher than ever before to potentially help reduce some pressure on healthcare systems that still have the COVID-19 pandemic to deal with. Some people choose not to get a flu shot for various reasons, including myths that may not be true. Whether you’re caring for a loved one and debating if you want to get a flu shot or your senior loved one isn’t sure, here are some of the common myths about the seasonal flu shot.

The Flu Shot Can Give You The Flu

The flu shot itself very likely won’t give you the flu, but it is possible to experience minor symptoms. The viruses contained within the flu shot are not infectious and are inactive, and helps the immune system develop antibodies to protect against the flu. As a primary caregiver, it’s essential to know that side effects can occur following a flu shot, such as soreness, slight fever, achiness, and other minor symptoms. It takes a couple of weeks for the flu shot to take effect, so it is possible to get the flu between the time you get the shot and the time it becomes effective, but the flu shot itself very likely won’t give you the flu.

It’s Safer To Get The Flu Than The Flu Vaccine

The flu can be a very dangerous infection, particularly for seniors with underlying health conditions. There are many different beliefs about vaccines in general, but in a basic sense, getting the flu is more dangerous to a person’s health than the flu vaccine. Older people focused on independent senior living should strongly consider getting a flu vaccine every year to decrease the chances of getting the flu and ending up in the hospital.

Anyone With An Egg Allergy Should Avoid Flu Shots

This myth revolves around the fact that some flu vaccines grow inside chicken eggs. Anyone with severe allergic reactions to consuming eggs should consult with their medical professional before getting a flu shot, but most of the time, it won’t cause any significant reactions. Just be sure to express any concerns to the professional administering the vaccine before receiving it.

You Don’t Have To Get The Flu Shot Every Year

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the flu shot annually. It’s especially important for seniors or anyone caring for a loved one to get the vaccine annually. The strains of flu change each year, and the vaccine has to be adjusted accordingly to provide better protection. Older people practicing independent senior living may even request stronger doses of the vaccine each year to ensure their immunity levels are high enough throughout the flu season.

Getting the flu shot is more important than ever this year. At Next Day Access, we are here to help seniors enjoy independent living, so contact us at any time if we can help.