It’s time to get your flu shot!
Influenza, usually called “the flu,” is a virus that can make you very sick. Flu season—meaning the time most people get sick—starts in October and ends in May.
Some common myths and facts about the flu are shown below. Use this information to make the right health choices for you and your family.
Myth:
I don’t need the flu shot because I'm healthy.
Fact:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone gets a flu shot beginning at six months old.
Even if you are healthy, you can still get very sick from the flu. You might get only a mild case, but you can spread it to people who are elderly or who have chronic illnesses.
Myth:
The flu is not very serious.
Fact:
Each year, thousands of people get so sick from the flu they are admitted to the hospital. Some die.
Getting a flu shot is an easy way to prevent a health emergency.
Myth:
I’m pregnant, so I can't get a flu shot.
Fact:
If you get the flu while pregnant, you are at higher risk of serious illness.
By getting a flu shot, even if you are pregnant, you protect yourself and your baby. Infants younger than six months are not able to get a flu shot.
Myth:
If I get a flu shot, I will get sick with the flu.
Fact:
Flu shots do not cause the flu.
The shots, or vaccines, contain either killed viruses or weakened live viruses. You might have side effects like soreness, redness, achiness, or a mild fever. That does not mean you have the flu.
Myth:
I will probably have side effects if I get a flu shot.
Fact:
Many people do not have side effects. If you do, the symptoms will usually be mild.
Myth:
I don’t need to get a flu shot because I got one last year.
Fact:
The flu virus changes every year—and so does the flu shot. That’s why you need to get a flu shot every year.
Schedule yours today!
Get a flu shot, earn a reward
If you report your flu shot, you can earn up to $30 in rewards to spend on items on the Parkland Rewards website.
You can spend reward points on gift cards, baby supplies, grooming items, sports equipment, and many other items from the rewards catalog.
