Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?

by Dr Jeanne North | Apr 6, 2022 | Immunisations | 0 comments

🕓 Reading time: 3 minutes

“Can the flu shot give you the flu?” is a question I regularly get asked during every flu season.

In short, no. It’s 100% hands down impossible to get the flu from a flu vaccine.

With COVID still lurking in the background, getting your seasonal flu shot each year is as important as ever — no matter your age or wellness background.

ON THIS PAGE:

Myth: I always get the flu after getting vaccinated
Myth: I’ve had the flu many times – it’s no biggie
Myth: Flu vaccines aren’t safe for pregnant people or kids
Myth: The local pharmacy is as good as my GP clinic for flu shots
Myth: The influenza virus doesn’t spread as easily as COVID
About Dr Jeanne North

Having infected people filling up clinic waiting rooms and hospital beds is bad news, especially since it’s largely preventable.

On average, over 200,000 Australians contract the flu each year.

Hospitalisations are in the thousands, with around 9% ending up in intensive care units.

In light of these numbers, let’s address some flu shot myths in the hope that more people will get vaccinated each season, from May to October.

Myth: I Always Get the Flu After Getting Vaccinated

The flu vaccine doesn’t contain live influenza, only tiny fragments of the inactive virus’s surface protein.

These fragments allow your immune system to identify the virus. Your body then gets signalled to produce antibodies to protect you from the flu.

You may be among the 5% of people who feel a bit unwell after getting the vaccine, but it’s not the flu.

This reaction is just your immune system kicking in and learning what the influenza virus looks like. It’s your body preparing for battle!

In fact, if you feel a little run-down after the flu shot, then lucky you. This means your immune system has responded well, and you’re protected.

Symptoms disappear after a day or two, leaving your system well-equipped to fight off influenza.

Myth: I’ve Had the Flu Many Times – It’s No Big Deal

People frequently mistake a common cold for the full-blown flu.

Getting a cold many times over the years is normal. However, most of us only contract the flu very occasionally.

Completely different viruses cause each illness.

I tell patients they’ll certainly know if they’re hit with the flu. High fevers, body aches, headaches, and intense fatigue are reliable indicators.

In severe cases, the flu can send you to the hospital with bacterial infections and pneumonia.

Runny noses, sneezing, and congestion are good indicators that it’s just a cold.

You rarely experience such symptoms if you have the flu.

Myth: The Flu Vaccine Isn’t Safe for Pregnant People or Kids

The flu shot is perfectly safe for pregnant people, children, and older people.

The medical bodies representing GPs, paediatricians, obstetricians, and gynaecologists are united in their message: The flu jab is not only safe but recommended for these vulnerable groups, as they’re more likely to experience serious symptoms.

Flu shots are provided by the government for the following people:

Kids aged six months to five years old
65+ year olds;
People aged 6 months or older with specific medical conditions. These conditions include heart disease, severe asthma, kidney disease, low immunity and diabetes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged over six months
Pregnant people

We just charge a small fee for our Practice Nurses’ time in administering the vaccine.

Myth: The Local Pharmacy Is as Good as My GP for Flu Shots

Pharmacists are now permitted to administer the flu shot. However, you’re much better off visiting a GP clinic.

It’s more likely your GP or practice nurse will insist you hang around for 15 minutes after your immunisation.

This is to ensure you’re not one of the unlucky few who experience anaphylactic reactions to vaccines and to provide help if needed.

Pharmacy chains often get their stock and start administering the flu shot as early as March each year.

The problem is that a March flu shot will only protect you for 4 months, until the end of June.

The peak flu season is in full effect until the end of August, so your GP will often say late April/early May is best.

As part of your complete healthcare, a visit to your GP also provides an opportunity to have your and your family’s immunisation histories reviewed to ensure that all vaccines are up to date.

Myth: The Influenza Virus Doesn’t Spread as Easily as COVID

Like many respiratory viruses, including COVID and the flu, the virus is highly contagious.

The virus passes from one person to the next through airborne droplets. These droplets result from coughing, sneezing, or merely talking.

Another person who then touches a surface on which droplets have landed, or who is within 1.5 metres of an infected person, can inhale droplets containing the virus.

Here are some infection and disease control tips for the flu:

Always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose or being out in public.
Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others.

For more information on the flu vaccine, please have a look at our fact sheet.