Busting Common Flu Vaccine Myths

Our family gets the flu vaccine each year. My husband and boys suffer from viral induced asthma so prevention is key at our household. Getting the flu usually means respiratory complications and ending up at the hospital, instead, getting the flu vaccine is fast, virtually painless and FREE for us.

We’ve heard our fair share of old-wives-tales that people believe when it comes to talking about the cold/flu and flu vaccines. Below you will find a list of some of the most common misconceptions associated with the flu vaccine according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The flu vaccine gives you the flu.

FALSE. Flu vaccinations delivered via a needle are either made with an ‘inactivated’ flu virus that’s not infectious, or with no flu virus at all.

You don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year.

FALSE. In order to best protect yourself from the flu you need to be vaccinated annually. Getting a vaccine doesn’t need to be a complicated, time consuming process. Canadians can drop in to their local Shoppers Drug Mart or select grocery stores at any time of day, without an appointment.

You should wait until the height of flu season to get vaccinated so you’re protected for longer.

FALSE. While it’s never too late to get vaccinated, it’s best to receive your flu shot soon after it’s available, likely October. The antibodies delivered via the flu vaccine that protect you against infection take up to two weeks to take effect, and since the flu peaks between December – February it’s important to get vaccinated weeks before the holiday party season starts.

Pregnant women need to get consent from their doctor prior to receiving the flu vaccine.

FALSE. There is no recommendation for pregnant women to seek consent from their doctor prior to vaccination. However, there are some people who should seek their doctors’ advice prior to being vaccinated, including those who have a moderate – to – severe illness and patients with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

We got our vaccines this year at our local Shoppers Drug Mart and it took us only 10-15 minutes, with no appointment required. Note that they can’t vaccinate children younger than 5 years old so for younger children you must go to a vaccination clinic or your Family Doctor.

Are you getting vaccinated this year?

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