7 Common Excuses for Not Getting a Flu Shot — And Why They're Wrong

By: Troy Robinson, PA at Southern NH Immediate Care 

As flu season approaches, many people choose to skip their flu shot for a variety of reasons. While there are certain circumstances where someone may not be able to get a flu shot, there are also several myths and misconceptions about the flu shot. Don’t let any of these common misconceptions fool you!  

According to the CDC, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Vaccination can prevent flu-related illness, reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick, and protect vulnerable groups at higher risk for severe flu complications. The flu vaccine is an important, safe, and easy way to help keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community healthier this fall and winter. 

“I got the flu shot once and I still got the flu." 

It’s true that some people get the flu despite being vaccinated. The flu shot is not 100% effective. This is because flu viruses change from year to year, and the vaccines that are released attempt to target the strains that are most likely to circulate. Even if you get the flu after vaccination, the vaccine can still help reduce the severity and duration of the illness, and it greatly lowers your risk of serious complications like hospitalization and pneumonia. 

"The flu vaccine will give you flu." 

This is a common myth, but it’s completely false. The flu shot cannot give you the flu because it’s made with inactivated viruses or no virus at all. However, sometimes people can feel a little under-the-weather after the shot. These are typically mild side effects, like a sore arm or a slight fever. Instead, these mild symptoms that can develop after the flu shot are reassuring because they are caused by your own immune system while it is learning and building protection against the virus. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the vaccine is designed to stimulate your immune system, but it does not cause flu illness. 

"I got a flu shot last year." 

Flu viruses mutate and evolve every year, which is why the flu shot is updated annually to protect against the most likely strains for the upcoming season. Additionally, immunity from the vaccine fades over time. So, even if you got a flu shot last year, you won’t be fully protected this year unless you get vaccinated again. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated every year to maintain protection. 

"Getting a flu vaccine makes me more susceptible to other respiratory viruses and COVID-19." 

This misconception gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, but no evidence supports it. In fact, getting a flu shot can help reduce the overall burden of respiratory illnesses, including complications from the flu that can increase the risk of secondary infections. Studies show that getting a flu vaccine doesn’t weaken your immune system or make you more susceptible to other infections, including COVID-19. 

"I have an egg allergy, so I can’t get a flu shot." 

This used to be a concern, but the CDC has updated its guidance on this. You can still receive the flu shot even if you have a severe egg allergy. While most flu vaccines are produced using egg-based technology, research shows that the amount of egg protein is so low that it rarely causes allergic reactions. There are also egg-free flu vaccines available for those who would still prefer an alternative. 

"The flu is just a bad cold." 

While some flu symptoms overlap with the common cold, the flu can be much more severe and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. According to the CDC, tens of thousands of people die each year from flu-related illnesses. The flu can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. It's much more than just a “bad cold.” 

"Healthy people like me don’t need a flu shot." 

Even if you’re young and healthy, the flu can still knock you down for days or even weeks. More importantly, you can spread the flu to others who may be more vulnerable, such as the elderly, infants, or people with weakened immune systems. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that flu vaccines protect the person who receives the shot and help reduce the spread of flu in the community. Vaccination is an important part of public health, even for healthy individuals. 

Where to get your flu shot  

Southern NH Health Immediate Care in Nashua, Hudson, and Pelham, New Hampshire provides convenient, walk-in appointments for flu shots, as well as treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Our experienced providers offer non-emergency care for patients of all ages.  

We’re open seven days a week, including evenings. For the latest updates, check our Wait Times page before you visit. 

Troy Robinson is a board-certified physician assistant in practice at Immediate Care- South Nashua, New Hampshire.