21 Nov Can You Get The Flu From A Flu Shot?

Can you get the flu from a flu shot? The simple answer is no.

The more elaborate answer is that influenza vaccines are usually comprised of inactivated genetic material from an influenza virus. This exposure is what allows for the body to manufacture antibodies which can recognize and terminate a virus before infection. An inactive, dead version of the virus such that vaccines use cannot cause infection itself.

But what about side effects?

There are some side effects associated with the flu shot. Generally, these are limited to tenderness and swelling associated with vaccination’s primary method of delivery: injection.

Read Next: Are Redness And Swelling Common Flu Shot Symptoms?

In addition to these, there are some additional side effects, including headache and low grade fever. However, these side effects can be attributed to the immune system’s response to the dead genetic material from the virus and are not an indication of infection from influenza.

Can you get the flu even if you’ve had a flu shot?

The creation of flu vaccines is a complicated process, and influenza is difficult to vaccinate against because its genetic makeup can change so rapidly. The Center for Disease Control is tasked with predicting that “antigenic drift” so that vaccines are up to date.

This means that although your annual flu shot will provide protection against illness, you can still get the flu even if you’ve been inoculated.

Furthermore, there are endless different strains of influenza. Therefore, a flu shot will contain genetic material from multiple (generally 3 or 4) strains of the virus to promote immunity against several different viruses at once.

Read Next:

• Flu Shot FAQ
• What Are The Active Ingredients Inside A Flu Shot?
• Why Do You Get Fatigued After Getting A Flu Shot?
• Are Redness And Swelling Common Flu Shot Symptoms?
• Should You Get The Flu Shot While Sick?
• Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot During The Covid-19 Pandemic?