Company Health and Wellness Programs: Employer Flu Shots

Flu Shot Facts & Myths

Myth: The flu isn’t a serious disease.
Fact: Influenza (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs, and it can lead to  pneumonia. Each year about 200,000 staff members in the United States are hospitalized and about 36,000  staff members die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But small children less than  2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

Myth: The flu shot can cause the flu.
Fact: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some staff members get a little soreness or redness where they  get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.

Myth: The flu shot does not work.
Fact: The majority of of the time the flu shot will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the  effectiveness of the flu shot has ranged from 70 percent to 90 percent when there is a good match  between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection  against this disease.

Myth: The side effects are worse than the flu.
Fact: The worst side effect you’re likely to get from a flu shot is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu  vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. The risk of a severe allergic  reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

Myth: Only older staff members need a flu vaccine.
Fact: Children and adults with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease need  to get a flu shot. Doctors also recommend children 6 months and older get a flu shot every year until  their 5th birthday.

Myth: You must get the flu vaccine before December.
Fact: Flu vaccine can be given before or during the flu season. The best time to get vaccinated is  October or November. But you can get vaccinated in December or later.

For more information, ask your health care provider or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).  You can also  get more information about flu vaccinations by visiting the following Website: www.cdc.gov/flu

Source: The Department of Health and Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention