Myth: The Flu Vaccine Causes the Flu

A prevalent myth is that receiving the flu vaccine can cause individuals to become sick with the flu, leading to hesitation or refusal to get vaccinated during flu season. This belief can undermine public health efforts to promote vaccination.

In reality, flu vaccines are made from inactivated viruses or components of the virus that cannot cause illness. Research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases indicates that the most common side effects of the flu vaccine are mild, such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever, and are not indicative of flu infection. Vaccination is crucial for preventing the spread of the flu and protecting vulnerable populations. Understanding that the flu vaccine does not cause illness can encourage more individuals to get vaccinated, contributing to overall public health and disease prevention efforts.