<p>Flu Shots General Information
This information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is for Veterans and their
families. This fact sheet answers some questions you may have about the flu shot.
Who should get a flu shot?
Everyone age 6 months and older is recommended
to get a flu shot each year by VA and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why should I get a flu shot?
■ Getting a flu shot is the best way to slow the spread
of flu from person to person.
■ A flu shot can protect you and your family or friends
against flu.
■ Because of flu, thousands die and many more are
hospitalized each year in the U.S.
■ Anyone can get flu, but some people are at high risk
for complications from flu:
● people age 65 and older
● people with health problems like asthma, diabetes,
heart disease, chronic lung disease, and other
chronic illnesses or conditions
● pregnant women or people caring for an infant or a
family member with health problems
How well does the flu
shot work?
Studies show that getting a flu shot can reduce illness
and death from flu.
When should I get a flu shot?
■ In the fall, as soon as flu shots are available. A flu
shot will protect you the entire flu season.
■ Get a flu shot every year as flu viruses can change
from year to year.
Why do I need a flu shot
every year?
■ Flu viruses can change over time.
■ Every year, the flu shot vaccine is updated to protect
against the flu viruses most likely to spread that year.
Can I get flu from a flu shot?
No! Only inactive (dead) flu virus is used to make flu
shot vaccine, so you cannot get flu from a flu shot.
Fast Facts: What is flu?
■ Flu - short for influenza - is a respiratory illness
caused by influenza viruses.
■ Flu spreads easily. It occurs every year, mainly during
fall, winter, and spring.
■ Flu is different from a cold. People with flu usually
feel achy and have a fever.
How does a flu shot protect
me from flu?
■ A flu shot helps your immune system build antibodies