Myth: “I might catch the flu from the vaccine.”
Fact: Injectable influenza vaccines are made from influenza viruses that have been killed—a killed virus cannot give you the flu.

Myth: “Flu shots are for old people and young kids.”
Fact: The elderly and young children are just 2 of the groups considered at increased risk for complications from influenza, but influenza vaccination is also recommended for those who have close contact with people at increased risk. Also, current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines state that vaccination is recommended for people, including school-age children, who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected.

Myth: “I’ve heard the side effects from the shot are worse than the flu itself.”
Fact: The risk of an influenza shot causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Almost all people who get influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Myth: “I’ve never gotten the flu before.”
Fact: Influenza viruses change from year to year, so even if you were immune to influenza strains circulating in the past, you may not be protected from the new strains that could emerge this season.

Myth: "The flu shot only works if you get vaccinated in the fall."
Fact: Although October and November are the recommended months for vaccination (because that’s when the viruses begin to circulate), a vaccination given later in the season (December through March) can still help protect you from the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that vaccination is the single best way to prevent this serious seasonal respiratory disease.

Help protect yourself and the lives you touch this influenza season. Schedule your vaccination as soon as possible. Call Passport Health at 305-642-9889.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

The precautions the CDC recommends you can take to help protect yourself and loved ones from the flu this season are:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you are sick, keep your distance from others in order to help protect them from getting sick also. Stay home from work, school, and doing errands if possible
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and teach children to do the same
• Wash your hands often to help protect yourself from viruses and bacteria, which are often spread when you touch something that is contaminated and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth

 
Note: Influenza vaccination may not prevent the disease in 100% of individuals. Persons should consult their healthcare provider to determine if they have a condition that precludes them from receiving the vaccine. All vaccines have side effects. The most common side effects of influenza vaccines include local reactions and mild general symptoms.

References:
1. Questions & Answers: The Disease. Available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm. Accessed May 2007.
2. Prevention and control of influenza during the 2007-2008 influenza season: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Available at: www.cdc.gov/nip/ACIP/slides/feb07/05-influenza-1-allos_fiore.pdf. Accessed May 2007.
3. Questions & Answers: Flu Vaccine. Available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm. Accessed May 2007.
4. Key Facts about Influenza and the Influenza Vaccine. Available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed May 2007.