Flu Shots: FACT or FICTION?

Did you know that, each year, more than 40% of preschoolers and 30% of school-age kids miss school because of influenza (“the flu”). Additionally, up to 39% of adults will miss work due to flu-like symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH) recommend for everyone to get vaccinated against the flu annually.

1. The flu is just a bad cold.

FICTION: The flu is far more dangerous than a bad cold. It affects the lungs and can cause a sudden onset of fever, fatigue and muscle pain. Additional complications include sinusitis, otitis media (middle ear infection), laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Each year, many people around the world die from catching the flu.

2. Flu shots/vaccines can give you the flu.

FICTION: Flu vaccines are made from inactivated influenza viruses. These cannot give you the flu.

3. Even if I get a flu shot, I can still get the flu.

FACT: Though the flu shot protects most people from the flu, you can still catch the flu after you’ve been immunized if your immune system doesn’t mount an appropriate defense against the vaccine.  Also, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can cause illnesses, such as the virus that causes the common cold.

4. The vaccine is not 100% effective, so I’m better off getting the flu.

FICTION: No vaccine is 100% effective. However, even if you still get the flu after being immunized, you are likely to be far less sick than you would have been without immunization.

5. The side effects of the flu vaccine are worse than the flu.

FICTION: For most people, the worst side effect is some soreness where the injection was administered.  Like any medication, vaccines may also cause adverse reactions, but the risk of developing a rare allergic reaction is much smaller than the risk of developing severe complications from the flu. Minor side effects include: soreness or redness at the site of the injection, fever or pain, all lasting no more than one or two days.

6. Not everyone can get a flu shot.

FACT: If you have had severe allergic reactions to eggs (which are also used in making the vaccine) or to previous flu vaccines, you might not be protection good candidate for flu immunization. Additionally, if you are very ill with a high fever, you will need to postpone the injection.

7. I don’t need this year’s vaccine because I already got the flu shot last year.

FICTION: Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for two reasons. 1) Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore, components of flu vaccines are updated every year.  2) Also, the strength of the protection decline over six to 12 months.

8. Only the very old and sick need a flu shot.

FICTION: The flu vaccine can help both adults and children who are in good health to stay healthy.  Even if you aren’t at high risk for developing flu complications, you should still get a flu shot protect yourself as well as everyone you come in contact with (especially if you are in regular contact with young children, elderly people or sick family members).

9. I can’t get a flu shot because I am pregnant/plan to get pregnant/breastfeeding.

FICTION: Flu vaccines are safe for moms and their babies in utero. In fact, the vaccine will help prevent mom from developing complications from severe influenza and is recommended by both the U.S. and Chinese CDCs.

10. I am too busy to get the flu shot.

What you can do: Flu shots are available at the BJU main hospital (Lido area) and at our Shunyi and CBD clinics. We can also offer group vaccinations to schools and companies. While the best time to get a flu shot is in October or November, a flu shot in December or later will still protect you. For most cases, a doctor’s appointment is not necessary (except for children under 3 years old).

References:

1. 卫生部医政司。流行性感冒诊断与治疗指南（2011年版）。国际呼吸杂志。2011；31（6）：401-409
2. World Health Organization. Influenza vaccines – WHO position paper. Wkly Epidem Rec 2012; 87: 461-476
3. Prevention and Control of Influenza vaccines: Interim Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2013; 62 (18): 356
4. 流感疫苗预防接种技术指导意见（2010-2011年度）。中国疾病预防控制中心