Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu Vaccine

It’s that time of the year again – flu season! ProMedica vice president of quality and safety, Brian Kaminski, DO, shares what you need to know to help protect yourself and your family from the virus this flu season.

Do I really need to get the flu vaccine every year?

Yes, you should receive the flu vaccine every year. The influenza virus (or the flu) is constantly mutating. It is important to get the flu vaccine every year so that you are protected against its most recent and most prominent form. Similar to COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is the most important tool to reduce the likelihood of contracting the flu or develop a severe version of the disease.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?

No, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is derived from an inactive flu virus, making it impossible to get sick from it. However, it is possible to contract the flu within a short period of time after receiving the vaccination while the body is still manufacturing immunity to the virus.

“It takes about two weeks for your body to build the immune response that is necessary to act as a true defense against the virus, so full protection is not is not acquired until your body has built up this immunity,” Dr. Kaminski shares.

Some people may experience mild side effects after they receive a vaccine and have symptoms such as low-grade fever or achiness. This does not mean that you have the flu – it’s simply your body’s immune response to the vaccination and is typically very brief, 24 hours or less.

How is the flu vaccine produced?

There are three different flu vaccine production technologies in the United States: egg-based, cell-based and recombinant flu vaccines. The flu vaccine is produced by a number of private manufacturing companies and must meet various safety and effectiveness requirements set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the FDA, “The most common way that flu vaccines are made is using an egg-based manufacturing process that has been used for more than 70 years.” This process involves the virus being injected into fertilized hen eggs and then being incubated. The fluid containing the virus is then harvested from the eggs, inactivated and purified. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)about egg-based flu vaccines and other production technologies.

Is it OK to receive the flu vaccine if I am breastfeeding?

It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers receive the flu vaccine because of the positive effect that the flu vaccine has on the mother’s immune system.

“Antibodies are generated when a breastfeeding mother receives the flu vaccine. These antibodies can be passed along in the breastmilk so that the breastfeeding infant can receive those antibodies and have some protection against the flu virus,” Dr. Kaminski shares.

When should I get the flu vaccine?

The CDC recommends that people who only need one dose for the season receive their flu vaccine in September or October. If you’re not able to receive a flu vaccine until later in the season, getting the vaccine will still provide the essential protection, however the risk of contracting influenza while unvaccinated as time progresses becomes much higher due to the seasonal nature of the disease.

Do I need to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines protect you against different viruses, so it is recommended that you receive both. It is OK to get them at the same time.

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccines are available at your primary care provider, or at your local health department or pharmacy.

Don’t wait - make an appointment to get your flu vaccine today!