About the Vaccine

You cannot get the flu from the flu shot! The viruses in the inactivated influenza vaccine have been killed so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. Inactivated vaccine has been used in the U.S. for many years. However, since the influenza viruses change often, the vaccine is updated every year requiring a new vaccination each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can begin getting a flu shot in October. The flu season usually peaks between January and March so getting the shot in December, or even later, can also be beneficial in most years. Protection develops about two weeks after getting the shot.

Any vaccine is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Talk with your doctor before getting a flu shot if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or a previous dose of the influenza vaccine, or if you have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Otherwise, serious problems from the flu vaccine are very rare. Mild problems could include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, or aches. Children under six months of age should not get a flu shot.