Protecting Your Health and Community: Why Getting the Flu Vaccine in 2023 is Crucial

We are now officially in flu season. But do you really need to get the flu vaccine this year?

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and even fatalities in vulnerable populations. In recent years, we've seen how the flu can strain healthcare systems, but in the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the stakes are even higher.

The flu and COVID-19 share some common symptoms, such as fever, cough, and fatigue. This overlap can create confusion for individuals and healthcare professionals. By getting the flu vaccine, you can help reduce the number of flu cases, thus easing the burden on hospitals and healthcare workers who are already contending with the challenges of the pandemic.

Let us delve into this a little more before answering the question.

Like many things related to medicine and public health, there are many misconceptions about the flu and flu vaccine that are fed by mis-information campaigns by those who either have a sinister agenda or are ill informed.

Here we will address some of the more common misconceptions about the flu vaccine and separate fact from fiction.

But first, a little information about the flu and the flu vaccine.

In the United States, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends getting a flu shot every year for everyone six months and older.

Those at extremes of age along with those with underlying medical problems are at increased risk of developing complications from the flu. In this group as well as in all individuals the flu shot not only reduces the risk of influenza infection but also reduces the severity of illness in those who are infected.

The influenza virus has a high rate of mutation, compromising the ability of our immune system to protect against new variants. Because of this, new vaccines are produced each year to match circulating viruses.

Making the vaccine for the coming flu season takes about six months to produce.

The decision of what viral antigens to include in the vaccines is made in advance of the influenza season and is based on the global surveillance of influenza viruses circulating at the end of the prior influenza season.

This means that it is possible for mismatches between the vaccine strain and the circulating strain that result in reduced efficacy of the vaccine.

Fortunately, this is rare.

Current influenza vaccines are trivalent or quadrivalent. The trivalent vaccine contains two influenza A virus antigens and one influenza B virus antigen, whereas the quadrivalent vaccine contains two influenza A antigens and two influenza B antigens.

The flu shot is recommended every year even if the previous year's vaccine contained one or more of the antigens because immunity declines during the year following vaccination.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu shot reduces mortality by about 40 to 60%.

The ideal time to get the flu vaccine is unknown. This is due to trying to balance the unpredictability of influenza season and the possible waning of vaccine-induced immunity over the course of the season.

In the northern hemisphere, vaccination should occur during September or October. In the southern hemisphere during March or April.

There are different flu vaccines, and the choice of vaccine formulation depends upon several factors, including age, comorbidities, and risk of adverse reactions. In general, most of the population can get any of the inactivated flu vaccines that are available.

For those over 65 years old, the current ACIP recommendation is to receive the higher dose vaccine.

Now let’s tackle some of the common misconceptions and separate fact from fiction.

The flu is not that big of a deal.

While mild cases of the flu may feel like a bad cold, it can actually be a serious threat to your health. In the United States more than 30,000 people die from the flu and thousands more are hospitalized because of the flu virus.

I am young and healthy, so I don’t need the vaccine.

Everyone benefits from getting the flu shot. The current CDC recommendation is yearly flu vaccination for everyone without a contraindication that is older than 6 months old.

The flu vaccine will give you the flu.

This is the most common misconception about the flu vaccine that is out there. The flu shot is an inactivated virus. That means there is no biological way it can “give you the flu.”

Couple of things can happen after a flu vaccine that leads to the incorrect assumption that the flu shot caused the flu. If you get sick right after the flu shot, you were likely exposed days before and were going to get sick anyway, the flu shot timing is just a coincidence.

I hate needles, the nasal vaccine is a good alternative.

Several studies have shown that the nasal flu vaccine is not as effective as the flu shot.

Vaccines cause Autism.

Full disclosure, I have an Autistic child.

One of the funniest (and dumbest) things I have read on this topic is the claim that a perfectly normal child went to the pediatrician, got the appropriate vaccines and went home. By the time the child and parents drove home, according to the parents - the child was Autistic.

Autism is a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication. It does not happen on the drive home from the pediatrician.

Further, several studies have put this question to rest. Vaccines DO NOT CAUSE Autism. There is no debate here, the question has been studied, re-studied and studied again. There is no link.

The flu shot doesn’t work.

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of contracting the flu anywhere from 40-60%. It reduced the severity of the flu even if the vaccine is not perfectly matched to the flu strain for that year. Of note, the vast majority of kids who died from the flu last year were not vaccinated.

Pregnant women should not get the vaccine.

There are ill informed and frankly incorrect claims that the flu vaccine can cause a miscarriage. This is simply false. What is true is the flu can lead to miscarriage. Hence, it is especially important for pregnant women to get their flu shot.

The best way to avoid getting the flu is the vaccine.

Getting a flu shot is the single best thing that you can do each flu season to protect yourself from severe illness.

Can you get the Flu shot AND the COVID vaccine?

Yes! The flu vaccine can be co-administered with the COVID vaccine with any serious safety concerns.

So, who should get the flu vaccine this season?

In 2023, as we continue to navigate the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, let's not forget the ever-present threat of influenza. Getting the flu vaccine isn't just an individual choice; it's a responsibility to your community, your loved ones, and yourself. By taking this proactive step, you can contribute to a healthier, more resilient society. So, roll up your sleeve, get vaccinated, and be part of the solution in the fight against the flu. Your health and the health of your community depend on it.

EVERYONE that does not have a contraindication to getting this vaccine should get it. This is the recommendation from basically ALL public health agencies worldwide.

There is a lot of misinformation about the flu and the flu vaccine. There is a lot of misinformation about many healthcare related topics. Getting a flu shot is a personal choice, hence it is important to make decisions based on correct information. Get the facts, then make the decision that is right for you.

Please remember that medical information provided by us must be considered an educational service only. This blog should not be relied upon as medical judgement and does not replace your physician’s independent judgement. This is NOT medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician.