Chief Chris Roberts getting his flu shot
Influenza (flu) vaccines are a safe and effective way to help people stay healthy, prevent illness and even save lives. The influenza virus can cause serious illness and even death in people with certain chronic health conditions.
MYTH: Getting an influenza vaccine every year weakens my immune system.
FACT: Because the influenza virus strains change most years, you need to get immunized each year to be protected against new strains. People who get the vaccine each year are better protected than those who remain unimmunized.
MYTH: The influenza vaccines protect against the viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach illnesses.
FACT: Influenza vaccines do not protect against the viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach illnesses, often called the stomach flu. The influenza virus is very different and typically causes more severe illness than the common cold or the stomach flu. Influenza vaccines only protect against the viruses that cause influenza.
MYTH: I have never had influenza, so I do not need to get an influenza vaccine.
FACT: Most people can get sick with influenza several times during their lives. An influenza vaccine is the best protection against the influenza virus.