The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot Every Year

Why Getting a Flu Shot is Important

Every year, millions of Americans get sick with influenza, also known as the flu. Since this illness is common, many people fail to realize how serious a case of the flu can become. The flu is responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and fatalities annually. A flu shot is the best protection available from influenza.

Individuals should get a flu shot every year. A new flu vaccine is developed each year designed to protect recipients from the flu viruses scientists believe will be prevalent that year.

Common Misconceptions about the Flu Vaccine

Some individuals may be reluctant to get a flu shot due to common misconceptions. Here are the facts that refute false claims related to the flu vaccine:

False: You can get the flu from the flu shot. True: A flu shot cannot give you the flu. Flu shots are not infectious because they are made of an inactivated (dead) virus or by using one gene instead of the full virus. 
False: Healthy children do not need a flu shot. True: Sadly, research shows in a typical flu season otherwise healthy children who contact the flu account for half of the fatalities among children under age five. 
False: A person who has never had the flu does not need a flu shot. True: Anyone can get the flu. The flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot, with one exception…people who have a history of a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine or its ingredients should avoid the shot.

Don’t risk your, or your loved ones, health.   Stop by the Center for Family Medicine for your flu shot today.