Schedule your flu shot today.
Now is the time to protect yourself from the flu, both the common seasonal influenza and the new Novel H1N1 (Swine flu) variety.
Can a flu shot give you the flu?
No. The vaccine is made from killed virus, so you CANNOT get influenza from a flu shot.
Does a healthy person really need to be immunized?
Yes. Everyone is at risk for influenza and those who have it may not even know it. Up to half of the people with the flu may not feel sick. In fact, unvaccinated people who are coming down with flu but who are not yet sick can still spread the virus to others.
Are flu shots effective for the entire flu season?
Yes. Vaccination in September should protect you through the spring. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop immunity to influenza after the vaccination.
Who benefits most from a flu vaccination?
Everyone benefits, even more so given the risks posed by the H1N1 virus. However, certain groups are at increased risk of complications from the flu. The high-risk group includes adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, pregnant women, and children aged 6 months to 18 years.
Is the H1N1 flu virus a greater risk to older people?
Actually, this type of flu is causing people younger than 25 to be sicker than older persons—reinforcing the need for everyone to be vaccinated against both the seasonal and the H1N1 varieties of the flu.
Are the side-effects from a flu shot worse than the flu?
No. The most common side-effect from a flu shot is a sore arm. You cannot get influenza from a flu shot.
Do vitamin C supplements and Echinacea negate the need for a flu shot?
No. Neither treatment has been proven to effectively prevent flu.
Do vaccines cause autism in children?
No. There is abundant medical evidence that vaccines do NOT cause autism. There is NO medical evidence that autism is caused by vaccines or any component of vaccines.
If I’ve already had the flu, do I still need a flu shot?
Yes. Influenza is not a single virus. Typically, each year both Type A and Type B influenza viruses circulate every flu season, making it possible for you to become infected with more than one flu virus during any influenza season. So even if you've already had the flu, you should still get the vaccine.
Does the flu vaccine contain toxic materials like mecury (thimerosal)?
No. The influenza vaccine used by the UI Health Care seasonal influenza immunization program does not contain thimerosal.
If I got a flu vaccine last year, won’t I be OK this year?
No. Flu vaccine formulas are adjusted every year to include the most current flu strains. Therefore, you should be vaccinated every year to help protect yourself, your family, and your friends.
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