I would say the biggest reason people don’t get their annual flu shots is because they just don’t know how/where to.
If you’re someone who’s never done it before, you might be unfamiliar with the process. Let’s go over some common questions/misconceptions. Fair warning, this is going to be very US centric, but also I assume (I hope) most other countries have it easier getting flu shots to begin with.
“Where do I go?”
Nearly every pharmacy will have them! I went to the hospital this past weekend, but in previous years I’ve gotten it from CVS, my college campus, and local clinics in my city.
“How much does it cost?”
It’s FREE with almost every insurance plan!!!
Without insurance, there’s still a few options. HRSA has a page where you can find federally funded clinics that may offer free or low-cost flu shots. I was uninsured last year, and got my flu shot for free on my college campus. Many cities/counties will schedule days (usually around October) where pop-up clinics provide flu shots, sometimes rewarding you with gift cards! I just checked my hometown’s county website, and they offer $17 vaccines for adults with no insurance.
You have options!!! There’s a nasal spray version of the flu vaccine that’s just as effective (and is now available to be administered BY YOURSELF AT HOME!!), the only downsides being that it has more restrictions for who can get it, it might cost more, and not every place you go will have it.
You can also try your very best to be brave!! The needle they use for the flu shot is a very very tiny gauge that you barely feel at all. This weekend when I got my shot, I ran into a friend and was chatting while I got my shot, to the point that I didn’t even notice I was done until the nurse put the bandage on! It doesn’t even hurt remotely as much as a papercut. Distractions help, or you could promise yourself a reward afterwards :)
If you’re afraid of needles to the point that you pass out, PLEASE tell the person who’s administering you’re vaccine!
“I’m immunocompromised!”
You can (and should!) still get your flu shot! If you’re immunocompromised, you might not be able to get the nasal spray since it’s a “live” virus, but the jab is safe for everybody. If anything, being immunocompromised is more of a reason to get the vaccine.
The ONLY people who cannot get the flu vaccine are those who have had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine. Some versions of the vaccine contain egg protein, so let the person vaccinating you if you’re allergic to eggs.
“I want a vaccine, but I’m underage and my parents won’t let me!”
This is a valid concern! If you think you can reason with your parents, show them the CDC’s website on why it’s recommended, and maybe have them talk to your doctor about it if they’re unsure.
If you know your parents would never agree, and you’re in a position where it’s safe to do so, most places provide free vaccines under the Vaccines For Children program for anyone age 18 or under. This site has a list of every states’ Minor Consent Laws and if you’ll be able to get the vaccine without needing to inform/get permission from your parent.
“It’s no longer flu season!”
Flu season is considered to be October-April. I’ve gotten the vaccine in the middle of summer before. It’s fine. It lasts the whole year, you don’t need to worry about “timing it” to last the whole flu season. It’s never too early or too late!
The day after you get your vaccine, you may feel fatigued and a little sore, but that’s your immune response working!! You will not shed the virus and infect other people if this happens to you. Take some ibuprofen and a nap and you’ll be fine.
If you get the flu right after getting the shot, that was just very unfortunate timing, and you were going to get the flu whether you got the vaccine or not. Either that, or you got sick with something else.
It IS possible to catch the flu after getting the flu shot, and this usually only happens if you caught a different strain than what you were vaccinated for, but your vaccine should still give you partial immunity and your symptoms will be much less severe.
