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Home > Flu Shots > Yearly Flu Shots
Yearly Flu Shots
Do I Need a Flu Shot Every Year?
To improve your chances of avoiding the flu you need to get a flu shot every year. Influenza A and B viruses are the two types that cause epidemic human disease. They are constantly changing to avoid being destroyed by the immune system. Both types gradually change by a series of mutations but only the A virus may undergo a significant abrupt change to form a new subtype. When a new A virus comes about, there might be little or no antibody protection against it and large numbers of people may become ill (epidemic). On the other hand, a new A virus may be similar enough to one in the past that antibodies built up against the old virus protect individuals against the new strain.
Scientists choose three strains of the flu virus to include in the vaccine. This decision is based on international surveillance and what they determine will be circulating the following flu season.
Antibodies that provide protection against the flu peak about two weeks after vaccination.
Flu Shot Side Effects
The most common side effect of the flu shot is soreness at the injection site. It can last up to two days but does not usually affect an individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities.
Less common side effects of the flu shot include allergic reactions and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Life-threatening allergic reactions (which usually occur immediately) are very rare but possible in individuals allergic to any vaccine component. The 1976 Swine flu vaccine was associated with an increased number of GBS cases, a severe paralytic illness. Since then the risk is estimated to be very low, at one to two cases per million vaccinated—much less than the risk of getting the flu. However, individuals with a history of GBS should not be vaccinated without consulting their healthcare provider because they have a much greater likelihood of subsequently developing the illness than individuals without such a history.
Will I Get Sick?
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You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. Flu shots used in the U.S. are made from killed influenza. It cannot make you sick like the live virus but your body recognizes that it is present and is able to build up the appropriate defenses to fight it off during flu season. It is important to NOTE, however, that many people do believe they have gotten the flu from the flu shot. There are two explanations for this:
- Some people, usually children, who have not been exposed to the influenza virus before, may notice “mild” flu-like symptoms after receiving a flu shot. To some, the symptoms are not so mild. They usually start six to 12 hours after vaccination and can last up to two days. This is a normal occurrence while the immune system is responding to the vaccine. It should not be confused with the flu or an allergic reaction.
- Receiving a flu shot does not guarantee that you will not get the flu. However, as stated above, it will reduce your chances of getting it. Remember, there are many different strains of the virus and the vaccine covers only the three that are considered to be most likely to cause illness during the upcoming season and possibly those closely related to them.
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