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Influenza (Flu) Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?

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.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?

Get the facts

Your options

  • Get a flu vaccine.
  • Don't get a flu vaccine.

Key points to remember

  • Most people get better from influenza (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 vaccine may not always keep you from getting the seasonal flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of other health problems from the flu.
  • A few people may not be able to get a flu vaccine. If you have a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine, have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past, had Guillain-Barré syndrome, or are ill, be sure to tell the person who gives the vaccine.
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. 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, people who are pregnant, older adults, and people who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems.
  • If you take care of someone who is at high risk, it's a good idea to get a flu vaccine. 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 vaccine every year.
  • You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.
FAQs

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu shot contains a killed form of several types of 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 it's best to get the flu vaccine as soon as it's available. But the vaccine can still help if you get it during the flu season.

Another form of the flu vaccine may be available as a spray that you breathe in through your nose. This vaccine (such as FluMist) contains live but weak viruses. Ask your doctor what is right for you.

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 vaccine every year. You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.

It is recommended that adults ages 65 and older get a high-dose flu shot.footnote 2

Who should get a flu vaccine?

The PHAC recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine each year.

A flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:

  • People who are age 65 or older.
  • People who have long-term (chronic) diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease, including asthma.
  • People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centres.
  • People who have a weak immune system.
  • People who are pregnant.
  • Young children.

The flu vaccine is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:

  • Anyone who lives with or cares for young children.
  • Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
  • Health care workers.

Who should not get a flu vaccine?

Children younger than 6 months of age and people with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any part of the vaccine should not get a flu vaccine.

Talk to your doctor before getting a flu vaccine if you:

  • Have a severe allergy to eggs or any part of the vaccine.
  • Have had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
  • Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Are sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you're better before you get a flu vaccine.

People who can't get a flu vaccine but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead.

What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine may keep you from getting the seasonal flu. This can save you time (fewer days missed from work or school) and money (fewer medicine costs). The flu vaccine can also help prevent the spread of the flu to others. If you are pregnant, it can help prevent your newborn baby from getting the flu.footnote 1

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.

What are the risks of the flu vaccine?

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 vaccine.

The flu vaccine can't cause the flu.

The risk of a serious problem from the flu vaccine (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 the flu vaccineGet the flu vaccine
  • You get the vaccine 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 seasonal 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.
  • If you are pregnant, it can help prevent your newborn baby from getting the flu.
  • You might have:
    • Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site if you got the shot.
    • A fever and muscle aches for a day or two.
    • An allergic reaction, but this is rare.
Don't get the flu vaccineDon't get the flu vaccine
  • You can take steps to prevent the flu: wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face.
  • You can avoid people who are sick.
  • You avoid the side effects of the flu vaccine.
  • You do not have to take the time to get a flu vaccine.
  • 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 on doctor visits and money on over-the-counter medicines.
    • Get other health problems from the flu that may need to be treated in a hospital.
  • If you are pregnant, your baby may be more likely to get the flu before your baby can get the vaccine.

Personal stories about getting a flu vaccine

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 year. 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

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 the flu vaccine.

Betsy, age 17

At my age, I don't see any reason to get a flu vaccine. I'm very strong, and I hardly ever get sick. I'm not worried about getting the flu.

Quincy, age 25

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 vaccine

Reasons not to get a flu vaccine

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 vaccine.

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 vaccine

NOT getting a flu vaccine

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 vaccine?
2, Is a flu vaccine safe for everyone?
3, Should you get a flu vaccine if you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, or a weak immune system?

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.

3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Your Summary

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Your decision

Next steps

Which way you're leaning

How sure you are

Your comments

Your knowledge of the facts

Key concepts that you understood

Key concepts that may need review

Getting ready to act

Patient choices

What matters to you

Print Summary

Credits and References

Credits
AuthorIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
References
Citations
  1. Committee on Infectious Diseases (2021). Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2021-2022. Pediatrics, 148(4): e2021053744. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053744. Accessed June 29, 2022.
  2. Sinilaite A, et al. (2022). Summary of the NACI seasonal influenza vaccine statement for 2022–2023. Canada Communicable Disease Report, 48(9): 373–382. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v48i09a01. Accessed October 10, 2022.
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.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
  1. Get the facts
  2. Compare your options
  3. What matters most to you?
  4. Where are you leaning now?
  5. What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

  • Get a flu vaccine.
  • Don't get a flu vaccine.

Key points to remember

  • Most people get better from influenza (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 vaccine may not always keep you from getting the seasonal flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of other health problems from the flu.
  • A few people may not be able to get a flu vaccine. If you have a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine, have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past, had Guillain-Barré syndrome, or are ill, be sure to tell the person who gives the vaccine.
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. 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, people who are pregnant, older adults, and people who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems.
  • If you take care of someone who is at high risk, it's a good idea to get a flu vaccine. 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 vaccine every year.
  • You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.
FAQs

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu shot contains a killed form of several types of 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 it's best to get the flu vaccine as soon as it's available. But the vaccine can still help if you get it during the flu season.

Another form of the flu vaccine may be available as a spray that you breathe in through your nose. This vaccine (such as FluMist) contains live but weak viruses. Ask your doctor what is right for you.

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 vaccine every year. You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.

It is recommended that adults ages 65 and older get a high-dose flu shot.2

Who should get a flu vaccine?

The PHAC recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine each year.

A flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:

  • People who are age 65 or older.
  • People who have long-term (chronic) diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease, including asthma.
  • People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centres.
  • People who have a weak immune system.
  • People who are pregnant.
  • Young children.

The flu vaccine is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:

  • Anyone who lives with or cares for young children.
  • Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
  • Health care workers.

Who should not get a flu vaccine?

Children younger than 6 months of age and people with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any part of the vaccine should not get a flu vaccine.

Talk to your doctor before getting a flu vaccine if you:

  • Have a severe allergy to eggs or any part of the vaccine.
  • Have had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
  • Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Are sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you're better before you get a flu vaccine.

People who can't get a flu vaccine but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead.

What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine may keep you from getting the seasonal flu. This can save you time (fewer days missed from work or school) and money (fewer medicine costs). The flu vaccine can also help prevent the spread of the flu to others. If you are pregnant, it can help prevent your newborn baby from getting the flu.1

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.

What are the risks of the flu vaccine?

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 vaccine.

The flu vaccine can't cause the flu.

The risk of a serious problem from the flu vaccine (such as a bad allergic reaction) is very small.

2. Compare your options

Get the flu vaccineDon't get the flu vaccine
What is usually involved?
  • You get the vaccine 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.
  • You can avoid people who are sick.
What are the benefits?
  • It may keep you from getting the seasonal 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.
  • If you are pregnant, it can help prevent your newborn baby from getting the flu.
  • You avoid the side effects of the flu vaccine.
  • You do not have to take the time to get a flu vaccine.
What are the risks and side effects?
  • You might have:
    • Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site if 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 on doctor visits and money on over-the-counter medicines.
    • Get other health problems from the flu that may need to be treated in a hospital.
  • If you are pregnant, your baby may be more likely to get the flu before your baby can get the vaccine.

Personal stories

Personal stories about getting a flu vaccine

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 year. 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

"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 the flu vaccine."

— Betsy, age 17

"At my age, I don't see any reason to get a flu vaccine. I'm very strong, and I hardly ever get sick. I'm not worried about getting the flu."

— Quincy, age 25

3. 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 vaccine

Reasons not to get a flu vaccine

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 vaccine.

More important
Equally important
More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important
Equally important
More important

4. 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 vaccine

NOT getting a flu vaccine

Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1. Can you get the flu from a flu vaccine?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm not sure
That's right. You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine.

2. Is a flu vaccine safe for everyone?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm not sure
That's right. Some people shouldn't get a flu vaccine without talking to their doctor first. These include people who have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.

3. Should you get a flu vaccine 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 the flu vaccine each year, 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
ByIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
References
Citations
  1. Committee on Infectious Diseases (2021). Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2021-2022. Pediatrics, 148(4): e2021053744. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053744. Accessed June 29, 2022.
  2. Sinilaite A, et al. (2022). Summary of the NACI seasonal influenza vaccine statement for 2022–2023. Canada Communicable Disease Report, 48(9): 373–382. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v48i09a01. Accessed October 10, 2022.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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