Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
Get the facts
Your options
- Get a flu vaccine.
- Don't get a flu vaccine.
Key points to remember
- Most people get better from the flu without problems, but the flu can be deadly. It can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia, or it can make an existing disease worse. Every year, thousands of people end up in the hospital with other health problems from the flu.
- A flu vaccine may not always keep you from getting the seasonal flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of other health problems from the flu.
- A few people may not be able to get a flu vaccine. If you have a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine excluding eggs, have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past, have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous dose of flu vaccine, or are ill, be sure to tell the person who gives the vaccine.
- Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine. But it's most important to get one if you're at high risk for other health problems from the flu. Those at high risk include young children, pregnant women, older adults, people who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems, people who live in nursing homes or long term care centres, and indigenous people.
- If you care for someone who is at high risk, it's a good idea to get a flu vaccine. This can lower the chance that you could spread the flu to the person you care for.
- Flu viruses change quickly, so you need to get a flu vaccine every year.
- You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.
FAQs
The flu shot is a vaccine that contains a killed form of several types of flu viruses. The vaccine causes your immune system to make antibodies. Then, if you are exposed to the flu later, the antibodies can attack and destroy the virus.
It takes about 2 weeks for your body to make the antibodies. So it's best to get the flu shot as soon as it's available. But the shot can still help if you get it during the flu season. The flu is a risk all year in the tropics. If you plan to travel to a tropical area, you still only need one flu shot in a year.
Flu viruses change quickly, so each year scientists make a new vaccine. To have the best chance of being protected, you need to get a flu shot every year. You can't get the flu from a flu shot.
The NACI recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine each year.
A flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:
- Adults age 65 and older. People age 65 or older are the most likely to have problems from the flu.
- Adults and children who have long-term (chronic) diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease, including asthma.
- People who have a weak immune system.
- Children 6 to 59 months of age.
- Women who will be pregnant during the flu season.
- Children who are 24 months to 18 years old who use long-term aspirin treatment.
- People who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centres.
- Indigenous people.
The flu vaccine is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:
- Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is younger than 5.
- Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
- Health care workers.
The NACI also recommends that all people who provide essential community services get a flu vaccine each year.
The person who gives the vaccine may tell you not to get it if you:
- Have had a serious reaction to the flu shot in the past.
- Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous dose of influenza vaccine.
The flu shot is not recommended for children who are younger than 6 months.
People who can't get a flu vaccine but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead.
The flu vaccine may keep you from getting the seasonal flu. This can save you time (fewer days missed from work or school) and money (medicines). The flu vaccine can also help prevent the spread of the flu to others. And the flu vaccine can help protect the babies of women who got the vaccine while they were pregnant.footnote 1
If you do get the flu, your symptoms may be milder and you may be less likely to have other health problems from the flu.
The flu shot may cause mild problems, such as soreness, redness, and swelling on the arm where you got the shot. You might also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, poor appetite, nausea, vomitting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and feel tired for a day or two after you get the shot.
The flu shot cannot cause the flu. The flu shot contains killed viruses that can't cause an infection.
The risk of a serious problem from the flu vaccine (such as a bad allergic reaction) is very small.
Compare your options
| |
|---|
What is usually involved? |
| |
|---|
What are the benefits? |
| |
|---|
What are the risks and side effects? |
| |
|---|
Get the flu vaccineGet the flu vaccine- You get a shot in your arm.
- You get the shot at your doctor's office, workplace, health clinic, drugstore or grocery store, or any other place that offers it.
- It may keep you from getting the seasonal flu.
- If you do get the flu, your symptoms may be milder and you may be less likely to get other health problems from the flu.
- If you don't get influenza then you're less likely to spread the flu to others.
- If you are pregnant, it can help prevent your newborn baby from getting the flu.
- You might have for a few days:
- Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
- A fever or chills.
- Headache or body aches.
- Feeling tired.
- Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
- An allergic reaction, but this is rare.
Don't get the flu vaccineDon't get the flu vaccine- You can take steps to prevent the flu: wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face.
- You can avoid people who are sick.
- You avoid the side effects of the flu shot.
- You don't have to take the time to get one.
- You are more likely to get the flu.
- If you do get the flu, you may:
- Miss several days of work or school.
- Spend time and money on doctor visits and on over-the-counter medicines.
- Get other health problems from the flu that may need to be treated in a hospital.
- Spread influenza to others.
- If you are pregnant, your baby may be more likely to get the flu before he or she can get the vaccine.
I am in very good health for my age. Still, I get a flu shot every year. Why take chances? I've seen too many friends end up in the hospital because they didn't take the flu seriously. I urge my kids to get it too, because you never know how nasty this year's flu strain might be.
The last time I got the flu vaccine, I had a severe reaction and my doctor says not to get a flu vaccine again. Instead, I take antiviral medicine to help protect me from the flu. I have a family to support, including my dad who has kidney disease. So the last thing I need is to get the flu and bring it into the house.
At my age, I don't see any reason to get a flu shot. I'm very strong, and I hardly ever get sick. I'm not worried about getting the flu.
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to get a flu vaccine
Reasons not to get a flu vaccine
I'll do whatever I can to avoid getting the flu.
I'm not worried about getting the flu.
More important
Equally important
More important
I can't afford to get sick and miss work or school.
I'm not worried about getting sick and missing work or school.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm a big believer in vaccines.
I don't trust vaccines.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm worried about getting other serious health problems from the flu.
I'm more worried about side effects from the vaccine.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Getting a flu vaccine
NOT getting a flu vaccine
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
What else do you need to make your decision?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Your Summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Credits
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Christine Hahn MD - Epidemiology |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine |
|---|
References
Citations
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) (2020). Canadian Immunization Guide chapter on influenza and statement on seasonal influenza vaccine for 2020–2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/canadian-immunization-guide-statement-seasonal-influenza-vaccine-2020-2021.html.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Get a flu vaccine.
- Don't get a flu vaccine.
Key points to remember
- Most people get better from the flu without problems, but the flu can be deadly. It can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia, or it can make an existing disease worse. Every year, thousands of people end up in the hospital with other health problems from the flu.
- A flu vaccine may not always keep you from getting the seasonal flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of other health problems from the flu.
- A few people may not be able to get a flu vaccine. If you have a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine excluding eggs, have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past, have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous dose of flu vaccine, or are ill, be sure to tell the person who gives the vaccine.
- Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine. But it's most important to get one if you're at high risk for other health problems from the flu. Those at high risk include young children, pregnant women, older adults, people who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems, people who live in nursing homes or long term care centres, and indigenous people.
- If you care for someone who is at high risk, it's a good idea to get a flu vaccine. This can lower the chance that you could spread the flu to the person you care for.
- Flu viruses change quickly, so you need to get a flu vaccine every year.
- You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.
FAQs
What is the flu shot?
The flu shot is a vaccine that contains a killed form of several types of flu viruses. The vaccine causes your immune system to make antibodies. Then, if you are exposed to the flu later, the antibodies can attack and destroy the virus.
It takes about 2 weeks for your body to make the antibodies. So it's best to get the flu shot as soon as it's available. But the shot can still help if you get it during the flu season. The flu is a risk all year in the tropics. If you plan to travel to a tropical area, you still only need one flu shot in a year.
Flu viruses change quickly, so each year scientists make a new vaccine. To have the best chance of being protected, you need to get a flu shot every year. You can't get the flu from a flu shot.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The NACI recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine each year.
A flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:
- Adults age 65 and older. People age 65 or older are the most likely to have problems from the flu.
- Adults and children who have long-term (chronic) diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease, including asthma.
- People who have a weak immune system.
- Children 6 to 59 months of age.
- Women who will be pregnant during the flu season.
- Children who are 24 months to 18 years old who use long-term aspirin treatment.
- People who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centres.
- Indigenous people.
The flu vaccine is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:
- Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is younger than 5.
- Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
- Health care workers.
The NACI also recommends that all people who provide essential community services get a flu vaccine each year.
Who should not get a flu vaccine?
The person who gives the vaccine may tell you not to get it if you:
- Have had a serious reaction to the flu shot in the past.
- Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous dose of influenza vaccine.
The flu shot is not recommended for children who are younger than 6 months.
People who can't get a flu vaccine but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead.
What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine may keep you from getting the seasonal flu. This can save you time (fewer days missed from work or school) and money (medicines). The flu vaccine can also help prevent the spread of the flu to others. And the flu vaccine can help protect the babies of women who got the vaccine while they were pregnant.1
If you do get the flu, your symptoms may be milder and you may be less likely to have other health problems from the flu.
What are the risks of the flu vaccine?
The flu shot may cause mild problems, such as soreness, redness, and swelling on the arm where you got the shot. You might also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, poor appetite, nausea, vomitting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and feel tired for a day or two after you get the shot.
The flu shot cannot cause the flu. The flu shot contains killed viruses that can't cause an infection.
The risk of a serious problem from the flu vaccine (such as a bad allergic reaction) is very small.
2. Compare your options
| Get the flu vaccine | Don't get the flu vaccine |
|---|
| What is usually involved? | - You get a shot in your arm.
- You get the shot at your doctor's office, workplace, health clinic, drugstore or grocery store, or any other place that offers it.
| - You can take steps to prevent the flu: wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face.
- You can avoid people who are sick.
|
|---|
| What are the benefits? | - It may keep you from getting the seasonal flu.
- If you do get the flu, your symptoms may be milder and you may be less likely to get other health problems from the flu.
- If you don't get influenza then you're less likely to spread the flu to others.
- If you are pregnant, it can help prevent your newborn baby from getting the flu.
| - You avoid the side effects of the flu shot.
- You don't have to take the time to get one.
|
|---|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - You might have for a few days:
- Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
- A fever or chills.
- Headache or body aches.
- Feeling tired.
- Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
- An allergic reaction, but this is rare.
| - You are more likely to get the flu.
- If you do get the flu, you may:
- Miss several days of work or school.
- Spend time and money on doctor visits and on over-the-counter medicines.
- Get other health problems from the flu that may need to be treated in a hospital.
- Spread influenza to others.
- If you are pregnant, your baby may be more likely to get the flu before he or she can get the vaccine.
|
|---|
Personal stories
Personal stories about getting a flu vaccine
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I am in very good health for my age. Still, I get a flu shot every year. Why take chances? I've seen too many friends end up in the hospital because they didn't take the flu seriously. I urge my kids to get it too, because you never know how nasty this year's flu strain might be."
"The last time I got the flu vaccine, I had a severe reaction and my doctor says not to get a flu vaccine again. Instead, I take antiviral medicine to help protect me from the flu. I have a family to support, including my dad who has kidney disease. So the last thing I need is to get the flu and bring it into the house."
"At my age, I don't see any reason to get a flu shot. I'm very strong, and I hardly ever get sick. I'm not worried about getting the flu."
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to get a flu vaccine
Reasons not to get a flu vaccine
I'll do whatever I can to avoid getting the flu.
I'm not worried about getting the flu.
More important
Equally important
More important
I can't afford to get sick and miss work or school.
I'm not worried about getting sick and missing work or school.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm a big believer in vaccines.
I don't trust vaccines.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm worried about getting other serious health problems from the flu.
I'm more worried about side effects from the vaccine.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Getting a flu vaccine
NOT getting a flu vaccine
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. Can you get the flu from a flu vaccine?
That's right. The viruses in the flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu from a flu shot.
2. Is a flu vaccine safe for everyone?
That's right. Some people shouldn't get a flu vaccine without talking to their doctor first. These include people who have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
3. Should you get a flu vaccine if you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, or a weak immune system?
That's right. It's important that people with chronic diseases or a weak immune system get a flu vaccine, because they are at high risk for other health problems from the flu.
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Christine Hahn MD - Epidemiology |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine |
|---|
References
Citations
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) (2020). Canadian Immunization Guide chapter on influenza and statement on seasonal influenza vaccine for 2020–2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/canadian-immunization-guide-statement-seasonal-influenza-vaccine-2020-2021.html.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease & Christine Hahn MD - Epidemiology & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) (2020). Canadian Immunization Guide chapter on influenza and statement on seasonal influenza vaccine for 2020–2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/canadian-immunization-guide-statement-seasonal-influenza-vaccine-2020-2021.html.
