It's that time of year again....

• 

  It is time to get your influenza (flu) vaccine

• The ideal time is September or October for most patients

• The vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to it

• Receive the flu vaccine appropriate for your age. For example, those 65 years and older should receive a higher dose flu vaccine

Common Misperceptions about the Flu vaccine

Myth: I have never gotten the flu so this means I have a good immune system and will never get the flu.

Fact: Even though you have never gotten the flu in the past, you still have a chance of getting it in the future. The flu strain changes every year

Myth: The flu shot gave me the flu.

Fact: The flu vaccine does not have any active influenza virus so it cannot give you the flu. Flu vaccines trigger your immune system to activate and produce antibodies against the flu so you may experience some mild symptoms like a low grade fever, body aches, and tiredness which generally last a few days but this is not the flu.

Myth: I cannot get the flu vaccine because I have an egg allergy

Fact: Egg allergy is not a contraindication to getting the flu vaccine. Although some flu vaccines contain a tiny amount of egg proteins, these tiny amounts are not enough to cause an allergic reaction

The content of this post is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your personal physician for any health concerns.

#fluvaccine #influenzavax #influenza #prevention