Flu Shot Myths & Seasonal Illness

Be smart. Stay healthy. Get your flu shot today.

Did you know your $0 annual flu shot:

Don’t delay! Get your $0 flu shot from your primary care provider or preferred pharmacy before the end of October for maximum protection. Plus, the flu shot counts as one of the activities to earn a $25 gift card as part of the Member Rewards Program.

DON’T FALL FOR THESE FLU SHOT MYTHS

MYTH: INFLUENZA IS NOT SERIOUS. I DON’T NEED THE VACCINE.

FACT: As many as 650,000 people per year can die of the flu. Even healthy people can get the flu, but people with chronic illnesses, young children and older adults have a greater risk. Most people will recover within a few weeks— but some can develop complications, including sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and heart or brain inflammations.

MYTH: THE FLU VACCINE CAN GIVE ME THE FLU.

FACT: The injected flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot give you influenza. If you feel achy or slightly feverish, it is a normal, short-lived reaction of the immune system to the vaccine.

MYTH: THE INFLUENZA VACCINE CAN CAUSE SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS.

FACT: The flu vaccine is proven to be safe. Severe side effects are extremely rare.

MYTH: I HAVE HAD THE VACCINE AND STILL GOT THE FLU, SO IT DOESN’T WORK.

FACT: Several flu viruses are circulating all the time. The vaccine is made to protect against three or four of the strains that research indicates are most likely to spread in the upcoming flu season. Some people may still get the flu, despite being vaccinated, because they are exposed to a different strain.

Source: The World Health Organization