Six Flu Shot Facts To Know

You might wonder why it’s vital to get the flu shot every year. Maybe you don’t trust the flu shot. There are many opinions out there. Your primary care provider (PCP) understands your health needs best and can help ensure you make the best decision for you and your family.

However, we still want to ensure you know the facts about the flu shot. Below are six flu shot facts to know:

FACT: The flu shot doesn’t give you the flu.

The flu shot works by telling your body to make antibodies. It takes about two weeks after getting the flu shot for antibodies to fully build up. Antibodies help protect you against the flu virus. During the first two weeks, you might have a mild fever or chills. This isn’t the flu. It’s just your body’s way of telling you the flu shot is working.

FACT: The flu virus is always changing.

Flu virus strains can change from one year to the next. The flu shot from last flu season may not work this flu season. Because of this, the flu shot also has to change every flu season. By August each year, the new flu shot will closely match the current flu virus strain.

FACT: The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect you from the flu.

The viruses that cause the flu are different from the virus that causes COVID-19. So even if you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, it is still important to get your flu shot to protect yourself from the flu.

FACT: Being young doesn’t keep you safe from the flu.

Think you don’t need the flu shot because you’re young and healthy? Think again. Over 80 percent of CareSource members who were treated or hospitalized due to the flu last flu season were under 35 years old.

FACT: Part of the BIPOC community? You’re at higher risk.

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. If you’re Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian/Alaska Native, you’re at a higher risk of being hospitalized due to the flu. It is important to get the flu shot if you belong to any of these communities.

FACT: People aged 65+ need the flu shot.

If you’re 65 years of age or older, you’re more likely to have chronic health conditions. Having chronic health conditions can increase your risk of hospitalization if you get the flu. A flu shot can help protect you from that.

Talk to your PCP to find out whether the flu shot will be good for you. Don’t have a PCP? Find a spot to get a flu shot using the Find a Pharmacy tool.