Myth: The Flu Vaccine Can Give You the Flu

A common myth about the flu vaccine is that it can cause the flu. This misconception has led many people to avoid getting vaccinated, especially during flu season. Some people believe that receiving the vaccine will make them sick and that the risks outweigh the benefits.

The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) virus or a weakened form of the virus, which is not capable of causing illness. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever, but these are temporary and much less severe than the actual flu. In rare cases, people might develop mild flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccine, but this is a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. The flu vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to protect against future flu infections. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent the flu and protect yourself and others, especially those at higher risk of complications.