SPOKANE, Wash. --- Each year many people have concerns and questions about flu shots. KREM 2 On Your Side set out to answer some of your questions about the shots.
Question: Can flu shots actually give you the flu?
Answer: "Most flu vaccine especially when we're looking at the flu shot is an inactive, it's not something that can transmit the flu or anything else,” said Spokane Regional Health District Epidemiologist, Mark Springer.
According to Springer, it is impossible to get the flu from the actual flu vaccine.
However, that does not mean you cannot still get sick even if you are vaccinated.
"It takes about two weeks for the flu before you get a maximum response to that,” said Springer.
Question: If that's the case, can you get the flu weeks after being vaccinated?
Answer: Springer said the vaccine is not a 100 percent effective. The shot protection is about 50 to 70 percent.
"It leaves a lot of leeway for someone to still get the flu even if they are fully vaccinated,” commented Springer.
Question: What about people with allergies to eggs? Should they be vaccinated?
Answer: "We're looking at avoiding the flu vaccine with eggs if someone has anaphylaxis or breathing problems or very severe allergies,” said Springer.
He added, there are vaccines made without using eggs
.
Question: What many people are thinking right about now is I am healthy? I can bounce back from a sickness. Why should I get vaccinated?
Answer: Springer said there are two reasons why everyone should get vaccinated. One, healthy adults and children can still get seriously sick from the flu. Two, a healthy person can spread it to someone who is more at risk of complications to the flu.
"Influenza is a communicable about 24 hours before you start feeling sick,” said Springer. "It's not something that you can minimize your risk to other people by good behavior, you have to be protected,” he added.
Bottom line, health officials say get vaccinated not only for yourself but for others as well.
