Why should I get the flu shot?

The weather is getting chillier here in Western New York, and it’s time to start thinking about preparing for flu season with your flu shot. Getting your flu shot doesn’t just cut your chances of getting sick with the flu by more than half: it also protects people in your community who can’t get vaccinated due to their age or health via herd immunity.

So what is the flu, exactly? The flu (short for influenza) is a contagious virus that can make you very sick. It spreads from person to person, mostly through coughing, sneezing, or touching things that have the virus on them.

For some people, the flu goes away in a few days. But for others, especially babies, older adults, pregnant people, or those with health problems like asthma or diabetes, it can cause serious illness like pneumonia that leads to hospitalization. Flu-related complications are a major cause of emergency healthcare visits, especially for children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.

Because the flu virus changes every year, it’s important to get your flu vaccination every year to stay protected against current strains. Getting your flu shot is safe and fast, and you can walk into the Pharmacy at Evergreen during flu season to get yours for free.

While the flu shot is your first and best line of defense against the flu, you can also protect yourself and your community during flu season by washing your hands often, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you’re not feeling well.

When it comes to the flu shot, there’s plenty of myths and misconceptions – read on to learn some of the facts behind the myths.

MYTH:

I don’t get the flu shot because it can give you the flu.

FACT:

It can’t. The flu vaccine uses inactivated virus or viral proteins that can’t cause illness. You may have some common side effects like a sore arm, mild rash, or fever, but that’s because your body is gearing up to fight the actual virus if you encounter it.

MYTH:

Since I don’t get sick that often, I don’t need the flu vaccine.

FACT:

Even healthy people can get seriously ill or spread flu to others who are at higher risk.

MYTH:

I got the flu shot as a kid, so I’m immune to the flu.

FACT:

The flu virus changes every year. That’s why an annual flu shot is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.

MYTH:

The flu shot doesn’t even work that well…I got it one time and still caught the flu.

FACT:

The flu shot reduces your risk of catching the flu by up to 60%. And if you do still catch the flu later, being vaccinated will reduce the length and severity of your sickness.

You have a role to play in keeping our community healthy this flu season! Walk in to the Pharmacy at Evergreen during flu season to get your flu shot for free, or request an appointment via your Patient Portal.