MYTH: You can catch the flu from the vaccine.

THE TRUTH: The influenza vaccine is made from virus particles or inactivated virus that can’t transmit infection.  However, it takes a week or two to develop full protection and many times a person can become sick during that short window while they’re waiting for the vaccine to take full effect. That can lead to the incorrect assumption that the vaccine caused their illness.

The vaccine reduces the odds of getting the flu from as high as one in four to one in 10 and protects you from the three or four influenza viruses that research indicates will be the most common during the upcoming flu season. People can still get the flu despite getting the vaccine if they’re exposed to a strain of influenza that doesn’t match at 100 percent but the severity is usually less because some immunity has been generated.

MYTH: Getting the flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

THE TRUTH: Sickness runs rampant during the winter months, as people tend to stay indoors or choose to go to school or work when they’re sick.  Taking everyday preventive actions like avoiding contact with sick people, staying home if you’re sick, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and washing your hands often with soap will help stop the spread of germs.

MYTH: You don’t need a flu shot every year.

THE TRUTH: The flu shot will protect you from three or four influenza viruses that research indicates will be the most common during the upcoming flu season. But the viruses mutate from year to year, and your immunity wanes over time, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year to protect you from the strains most likely to cause an outbreak.  This year the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old or older get the flu vaccine.

MYTH: The flu vaccine is dangerous. 

THE TRUTH: Common side-effects of the flu vaccine include fatigue, mild fever, soreness, or runny nose.  The risk of serious side-effects is about one in a million.  By comparison, you’re 100 times more likely to die in a car accident and 30 percent more likely to be struck by lightning.

MYTH: Many people can’t get the flu shot. 

THE TRUTH: While it’s true that there are some important health considerations people should be aware of regarding the flu vaccine, there are vaccine products that can be safely given to almost everyone.  For example, individuals with egg allergies should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about a type of vaccine that contains no egg protein.  And patients with weakened immune systems who shouldn’t get the intra-nasal vaccine should still receive the injectable vaccine.  There are even vaccine options for people who want to avoid preservatives.

If you want to get a flu shot, LDS Hospital is offering a FREE flu shot clinic to the community on Thursday, November 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the main lobby.  Flu shots will be offered while supplies last. Vaccines are also available from the Utah Department of Health.