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Myths and Truths of Getting the Flu Shot

The flu, also known as influenza, is an illness caused by a virus that affects your respiratory tract (your nose, throat, and lungs).1 Canada’s flu season typically runs from mid-October to the end of April.2 Flu vaccines can protect you and those around you from the virus,3 however some people may choose to skip their annual flu shot because of concerns that can arise from misinformation circulating around us. Let’s take a look at a few common misunderstandings about the flu shot, and find out how you can better protect yourself during the upcoming flu season.

Myth 1: The flu isn't a big deal.

Most people who have the flu will experience symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite for 7 to 10 days. Flu symptoms can lead to work or school absences and interfere with your daily routine.1,2 However, for some people the flu can be very serious, especially for those over the age of 65, young children, or individuals with certain diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.4 In fact, the flu causes around 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths each year in Canada.4 Since the flu vaccine helps to lower your risk of getting the flu and developing flu-related complications, it’s recommended to receive a flu shot every year.1

You can check out the Rexall® Flu Shot fact sheet here to see if you may be at higher risk for flu-related complications, which can include pneumonia and worsening of other long-term health conditions,5 as well as additional information about flu vaccines.

Myth 2: The flu shot doesn't work in older adults.

For adults aged 65 and older, there is a higher chance of developing serious complications from the flu.1 This is because your immune system weakens with age, which can make it harder to fight off infections.6 Seniors are also more likely to have certain health conditions that can worsen if they catch the flu.6 For these reasons, it is especially important for seniors to get their flu shot every year.3 All approved flu shots in Canada are proven to be effective and safe for adults 65 years of age and older, though high dose flu vaccines are most often recommended for older adults as they provide better protection against the flu.1

Myth 3: The flu shot gave me the flu last time.

The flu shot cannot cause the flu.3 There are 3 types of flu shots: inactivated, attenuated, and recombinant.1 Inactivated vaccines contain dead influenza viruses that are unable to make you sick.7 The nasal spray vaccine contains flu viruses that are attenuated (weakened) to the point that they cannot give you the flu, but your body can still build up protection against it.8 Recombinant flu vaccines are synthetically made and do not contain the flu virus.9 They also cannot give you the flu.10

Most people will not experience side effects from their flu shot.3 However, some experience soreness where the vaccine was given, or other mild symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, or tiredness that usually last for 1 to 2 days.7 These are possible side effects following a flu shot, which are similar to common flu symptoms, but they do not mean that you have the flu.

Myth 4: My child really doesn’t like injections, so they can’t get one.

Injections can be stressful for children and parents alike. However, there are ways you can help reduce your child’s worries about their flu shot. Distracting them with their favourite toy, a joke, or a mobile device can make the flu shot less stressful.11 Holding them in a comfortable position can encourage your child to stay calm.11

Numbing creams, patches, and gels are also available over the counter and can help reduce the pain from the flu shot; be sure to discuss these with your child’s health care team before using them.11 A flu vaccine given as a nasal spray is available in some provinces for children 2 years of age and older.1 You can speak to your Rexall® pharmacist about strategies to support your child and prepare for their flu shot.

Myth 5: It's not safe to get a flu shot due to the COVID-19 situation.

The flu shot can reduce your chances of being infected with the flu. While you may be concerned about catching COVID-19, getting the flu may also lead to complications.3 It’s also safe for individuals 5 years of age and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at any time before or after their flu shot.12 Children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years should wait 14 days between receiving the Moderna Spikevax® COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines.13 As the Moderna Spikevax® COVID-19 vaccine has been approved more recently for children within this age group, this waiting period will help your health care provider to identify the related vaccine if any side effects occur.13

You may be asked to register for your flu shot online and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 to minimize physical contact.14 Check out our Rexall® Flu Shot facts sheet here to learn more about COVID-19 symptoms. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, you may also expect to see measures in the pharmacy such as physical distancing, additional signage, and enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure that you can safely receive your shot this flu season.14

Your best defence against the flu is to get vaccinated.3 That’s why everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot.3 If you are interested in getting your flu shot this year, you can visit the Rexall® Flu Shot appointment sign-up page for more information.

References

  1. Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2022–2023. Updated June 8, 2022. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/canadian-immunization-guide-statement-seasonal-influenza-vaccine-2022-2023.html. Accessed August 22, 2022.
  2. Canadian Pharmacist’s Association. Influenza. Updated October 21, 2021. Internet. Accessed August 22,2022.
  3. Government of Canada. Flu (influenza): Get your flu shot. Updated December 10, 2021. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza/get-your-flu-shot.html. Accessed August 22,2022.
  4. Infection Prevention and Control Canada. Seasonal Influenza, Avian Influenza and Pandemic Influenza. Available at: https://ipac-canada.org/influenza-resources.php. Accessed August 22,2022.
  5. Government of Canada. Flu (influenza): Symptoms and treatment. Updated October 19, 2020. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza.html. Accessed August 22,2022.
  6. Government of Nova Scotia. Protecting yourself and others from the flu. Available at: https://novascotia.ca/flu/. Accessed August 22,2022.
  7. HealthLinkBC. Inactivated influenza (flu) vaccine. Updated October 1, 2021. Available at: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/inactivated-influenza-vaccine. Accessed August 22,2022.
  8. Immunize Canada. Questions and answers. Updated January 27, 2021. Available at: https://www.immunize.ca/questions-and-answers. Accessed August 22,2022.
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Influenza (Flu) Vaccines Are Made. Updated August 31, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/how-fluvaccine-made.htm. Accessed August 22, 2022.
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Safety: A Summary for Clinicians. Updated August 25, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vaccine_safety.htm. Accessed August 30, 2022.
  11. About Kids Health. Needle pokes: Reducing pain in children aged 18 months or over. Updated December 18, 2018. Available at: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=990&language=English#/. Accessed August 22, 2022.
  12. Government of Canada. COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. Updated August 19, 2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-26-covid-19-vaccine.html. Accessed August 22, 2022.
  13. Government of Canada. Recommendations on the use of Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 5 years of age. Updated July 14, 2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-moderna-spikevax-covid-19-vaccine-children-6-months-5-years.html. Accessed August 30, 2022.
  14. Government of Canada. Guidance for influenza vaccine delivery in the presence of COVID-19. Updated August 05, 2020. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/guidance-influenza-vaccine-delivery-covid-19.html. Accessed September 01, 2021.

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