Why You Should Get a Flu Shot
Protect yourself during flu season
An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick during flu season. The flu is more than a bad cold. It is a serious illness that can keep you away from school, work, or your favorite activities. For both healthy people and those at high risk, getting a flu shot can reduce the risk of hospitalization and help prevent life-threatening complications.
When you get a flu shot, you do more than protect yourself. You also help protect your loved ones, the people around you, and your community.
Corewell Health makes it easy to find care and schedule a flu shot near you.
Schedule a flu vaccine near you
This video is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please talk to your primary care doctor before getting your flu shot.
Who needs a flu vaccine?
Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine.
Even healthy people can get seriously ill from the flu. Vaccination is especially important for those at high risk of severe flu complications, including:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children younger than 5
- People with certain health conditions, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease
- Pregnant women
When should I get a flu vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu vaccine by the end of October, before flu season picks up. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build an immune response.
Flu season typically peaks in winter. If you don't get your flu shot by the end of October, it's not too late. Getting vaccinated anytime during flu season is better than not getting vaccinated at all.
Talk to your primary care doctor about the flu vaccine that's right for you. A high-dose flu shot may be recommended if you're 65 or older.
Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?
Protection from a flu vaccine decreases over time. Flu viruses also change from year to year. The flu shot is updated annually to protect against the viruses expected to spread each season.
Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?
You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. However, you may experience mild side effects that usually go away within a few days. These may include:
- Arm pain or soreness
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Redness or swelling at the injection shot
Flu vaccines have been shown to be safe, and serious reactions are rare.
Can I still get the flu?
You can still get the flu even if you've been vaccinated. However, a flu shot can make symptoms milder and reduce your risk of serious complications.
How can I protect against the flu?
The flu shot is your best defense against the flu. You can also take steps to help protect yourself and others, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as faucets and doorknobs
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water