If you’ve ever had the flu before, you know how sick this virus can make you.

And, because of the internet, there’s a significant amount of information available about the flu and the vaccine. Some of the information is factual and some are matters of opinion.

When it comes to this topic, it’s important to lean on trusted sources to get a better understanding.

That’s why we’ve highlighted and debunked five of the most common myths associated with the flu shot.

Myth 1: You can get the flu from the flu shot.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot does not cause the flu.

The flu vaccine is not a live virus so it cannot infect you. Once a person is vaccinated, it will then take about two weeks for the antibodies to develop and protect against the flu.

So, if you happen to become sick right after your flu shot, you were ill prior to getting the vaccine.

The flu shot does not and will not make you sick with the flu.

Myth #2: Flu shots are dangerous for pregnant women.

Flu shots are not dangerous for pregnant women.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that women who are pregnant during the flu season get a flu shot regardless of their trimester.

That’s because the flu can be more severe for pregnant women.

For instance, a fever early on in pregnancy has the potential to increase the risk of fetal birth defects. Later in pregnancy it can cause contractions and premature labor.

Myth #3: You don’t need to get the flu shot every year.

You need to get a flu shot every year.

That’s because the protection a person receives from the vaccine diminishes as time goes on.

An annual flu shot is necessary to provide the defense needed to fend off this illness. Also by getting it each year you add more to your bank of immunity and your protection grows over time.

Secondly, not all strains of the flu are created equal. A new flu shot is developed each year to protect against the current strain of the virus.

Myth #4: The flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the virus.

While the flu shot acts as a shield of protection from the virus, it’s not the end-all-be-all.

In addition to the flu shot, it’s recommended that people take the necessary preventive measures to reduce the spread.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Washing your hands with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Coughing/sneezing into your elbow.
• Frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
• Avoiding touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.

Myth #5: The flu shot causes severe side effects.

The flu vaccine has been deemed safe and severe side effects are rare.

In fact, only one in a million people may get Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of the flu shot. This rare disorder causes muscle weakness and paralysis.

At CVMG, we support the use of vaccinations for adults and children as recommended by the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We will be hosting a Drive-Thru Flu Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, October 17 from 8:30 a.m. – noon.

The clinic is open for all adults and children and will be held in the parking lot at our Eastvale location.

Children ages 4-17 and all adults 18 years and older must wear masks and remain in their vehicle.

Additional event details:

• FREE flu shots for all children & current CVMG patients (excludes cash patients)
• $40 charge for all others