The flu vaccine can stop you from getting seriously ill or dying.
Because of this, its recommended annually for all Americans who are 6 months or older.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
What are the flu vaccine side effects?
There is only one punch in of flu vaccinethe vaccine administered as a nasal spraythat contains a live virus.
That virus is attenuated (weakened) and cannot cause illness.
This article will explain the live flu vaccine and answer common questions about the vaccine.
History of the Flu Shot
The flu vaccine has been used for more than 80 years.
Here are the answers to common questions about the flu vaccine.
Is the Flu Shot a Live Virus?
This vaccine contains live viruses, but they have been weakened and cannot cause illness.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for people ages 2-49.
It cannot be given to pregnant people or those with compromised immune systems.
Flu shots do not contain a live virus.
Can the Flu Shot Get You Sick?
No, the flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu.
If you experience the flu after getting your vaccine, you were likely exposed before getting your shot.
Although the flu shot cant make you sick with influenza, it canlead to side effects.
These are usually mild and include soreness at the infection site, aches, fever and feeling tired.
In most cases these resolve within a day.
Do You Need a Flu Shot Every Year?
Yes, you should get the flu shot every year.
The vaccine becomes less effective with time.
Is the Flu Shot Effective?
If you have questions about vaccine ingredients, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Theyre usually mild and resolve within a day.
Getting the vaccine is a way to keep you and those around you healthy.
Heres why:
Summary
Most flu vaccines do not contain a live virus.
Getting the flu vaccine cannot cause you to get influenza.
However, it can protect you from contracting the flu and getting seriously sick with it.
A Word From Verywell
Theres a lot of misinformation floating around about vaccines.
That can make it scary to get vaccinated, especially if youve already had the flu and recovered.
However, the flu causes tens of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in America each year.
The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The nasal flu vaccine is a vaccine administered as a nasal spray.
Its approved for people ages 249.
Still, the nasal flu vaccine can cause additional side effects including sore throat and runny nose.
The flu shot has never contained a live virus.
Yes, the flu shot is safe to get.
It can reduce your risk of serious illness, and most side effects are mild.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Misconceptions about the flu vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza historic timeline.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Seasonal flu vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Key facts about seasonal flu vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine effectiveness: how well do flu vaccines work?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whats in vaccines?
