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.
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 shot may not always keep you from
getting the flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of
other health problems from the flu.
A few people should not get a
flu shot without talking to their doctor first. These include people who are
allergic to eggs, those who have had a bad reaction to the vaccine in the past,
and some people who are ill. The flu shot is not recommended for children
younger than 6 months.
Anyone 6 months or older can get a flu shot. 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,
and people with chronic diseases or weak immune systems.
If you care for someone who is at high risk, it's a good idea
to get a flu shot. 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 shot
every year.
The
flu shot(What is a PDF document?)
is a vaccine that contains a killed form of three 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 the best time to get the flu
shot is in October or November, before the flu season starts. But the shot can
still help if you get it in December or later, since flu season most often
peaks in January or February. 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. The viruses in a flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu
from a flu shot.
A flu shot costs about $20 to $30. Most insurance
companies will pay for it.
Another form of the flu
vaccine is available as a spray that you breathe in through your nose. This
vaccine, called FluMist, contains live but weak viruses.
Healthy
people ages 2 through 49 years can usually use FluMist. Pregnant women can get
the flu shot but not FluMist.
To find out more about this vaccine,
see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
nasal spray flu vaccine(What is a PDF document?) statement.
The flu
shot may keep you from getting the flu. This can save you time (fewer days
missed from work or school) and money (fewer doctor visits, medicines, and
hospital costs). The flu shot can also help prevent the spread of the flu to
others.
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 and muscle aches for a day
or two after you get the shot.
The risk of a serious problem from
the flu shot (such as a bad allergic reaction) is very small.
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved?
What are the benefits?
What are the risks and side effects?
Get a flu shot
Get a flu shot
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 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.
You're less
likely to spread the flu to others.
You might have:
Soreness, redness, and swelling where you
got the shot.
A fever and muscle aches for a day or
two.
An allergic reaction, but this is rare.
Don't get a flu shot
Don't get a flu shot
You can take steps to prevent the flu: Wash your hands often and
keep your hands away from your face.
You avoid the side effects of the flu shot.
You don't have to pay for a flu shot or 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.
Personal Stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
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 fall. 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.
Bert, age 68
I am
terribly allergic to eggs, so I can't take the flu shot. 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.
Starla, age 42
My
grandmother is in a nursing home, and I visit her every couple of weeks. I
wouldn't want to risk giving her the flu, so I'm going to get a flu shot.
Betsy, age
17
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.
Quincy, age 25
If you need more information, see the topic
Influenza.
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 shot
Reasons not to get a flu shot
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 shot.
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 shot
NOT getting a flu shot
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
Can you get the flu from a flu shot?
YesSorry, that's not right. The viruses in a flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu from a flu shot.
NoThat's right. The viruses in a flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu from a flu shot.
I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "What is the flu shot?" The viruses in a flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu from a flu shot.
2.
Is the flu shot safe for everyone?
YesSorry, that's not right. Some people shouldn't get a flu shot without talking to their doctor first. These include people who are allergic to eggs and those who have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
NoThat's right. Some people shouldn't get a flu shot without talking to their doctor first. These include people who are allergic to eggs and those who have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Who should not get the flu shot?" Some people, such as those who are allergic to eggs or who have had a bad reaction to the vaccine in the past, should check with their doctor first.
3.
Should you get a flu shot if you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, or a weak immune system?
YesThat's right. It's important that people with chronic diseases or a weak immune system get a flu shot, because they are at high risk for other health problems from the flu.
NoSorry, that's not right. It's important that people with chronic diseases or a weak immune system get a flu shot, because they are at high risk for other health problems from the flu.
I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Who should get the flu shot?" It's important that people with chronic diseases or a weak immune system get a flu shot, 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.
W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
References
Citations
Flu shots: Should I get a flu shot?
You can use this information 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 shot.
Don't get a flu shot.
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 shot may not always keep you from
getting the flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of
other health problems from the flu.
A few people should not get a
flu shot without talking to their doctor first. These include people who are
allergic to eggs, those who have had a bad reaction to the vaccine in the past,
and some people who are ill. The flu shot is not recommended for children
younger than 6 months.
Anyone 6 months or older can get a flu shot. 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,
and people with chronic diseases or weak immune systems.
If you care for someone who is at high risk, it's a good idea
to get a flu shot. 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 shot
every year.
The
flu shot(What is a PDF document?)
is a vaccine that contains a killed form of three 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 the best time to get the flu
shot is in October or November, before the flu season starts. But the shot can
still help if you get it in December or later, since flu season most often
peaks in January or February. 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. The viruses in a flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu
from a flu shot.
A flu shot costs about $20 to $30. Most insurance
companies will pay for it.
Another form of the flu
vaccine is available as a spray that you breathe in through your nose. This
vaccine, called FluMist, contains live but weak viruses.
Healthy
people ages 2 through 49 years can usually use FluMist. Pregnant women can get
the flu shot but not FluMist.
To find out more about this vaccine,
see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
nasal spray flu vaccine(What is a PDF document?) statement.
The flu
shot may keep you from getting the flu. This can save you time (fewer days
missed from work or school) and money (fewer doctor visits, medicines, and
hospital costs). The flu shot can also help prevent the spread of the flu to
others.
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 and muscle aches for a day
or two after you get the shot.
The risk of a serious problem from
the flu shot (such as a bad allergic reaction) is very small.
2. Compare Options
Get a flu shot
Don't get a flu shot
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.
What are the benefits?
It may keep you from getting the 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.
You're less
likely to spread the flu to others.
You avoid the side effects of the flu shot.
You don't have to pay for a flu shot or take the time to get
one.
What are the risks and side effects?
You might have:
Soreness, redness, and swelling where you
got the shot.
A fever and muscle aches for a day or
two.
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.
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
If you need more information, see the topic
Influenza.
Personal stories about getting a flu shot
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 fall. 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. "
— Bert, age 68
"I am
terribly allergic to eggs, so I can't take the flu shot. 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. "
— Starla, age 42
"My
grandmother is in a nursing home, and I visit her every couple of weeks. I
wouldn't want to risk giving her the flu, so I'm going to get a flu shot.
"
— Betsy, age
17
"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. "
— Quincy, age 25
3. Your Feelings
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 shot
Reasons not to get a flu shot
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 shot.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
4. Your Decision
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 shot
NOT getting a flu shot
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
5. Quiz Yourself
Check the facts
1.
Can you get the flu from a flu shot?
Yes
No
I'm not sure
That's right. The viruses in a flu shot are dead, so you can't get the flu from a flu shot.
2.
Is the flu shot safe for everyone?
Yes
No
I'm not sure
That's right. Some people shouldn't get a flu shot without talking to their doctor first. These include people who are allergic to eggs and those who have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
3.
Should you get a flu shot if you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, or a weak immune system?
Yes
No
I'm not sure
That's right. It's important that people with chronic diseases or a weak immune system get a flu shot, 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.
I'm ready to take action.
I want to discuss the options with others.
I want to learn more about my options.
3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Credits and references
Credits
Author
Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor
Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor
Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
References
Citations
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