Is it possible to get the influenza disease from a flu shot?
It is impossible to get the flu from a regular flu shot or from a nasal spray vaccine. This is because it is made of dead, or inactive influenza viruses and they cannot replicate and get past the human immune system. The nasal spray vaccine has weakened viruses that, although not dead, are unable to infect the body. The flu shot does not protect against the 2009 H1N1 Flu.
How do flu shots protect me from the flu virus?
The flu shot and LAIV (nasal-spray vaccine) make antibodies to grow in the body. These antibodies are a part of the immune system, and defend the body in opposition to infection with the influenza viruses from the vaccine.
Is the flu really that serious?
Yes. The influenza virus causes a severe contagious illness. On average, every year in the USA, over 200 thousand hospitalizations occur, and there are 36 thousand deaths because of the flu.
Is my flu shot going to work immediately?
No. Two weeks after vaccination is the amount of time it takes for the antibodies to grow in the body and shield it against the flu virus infection. Before this 2 week period is over, the body is still at risk for contracting the influenza disease. Therefore, for best results, getting flu shots early in autumn so that the vaccine can begin working as soon as possible before flu season comes around.