Deciding whether to get the flu vaccination, or whether to have someone that you are responsible for vaccinated can be a tricky decision. It is the responsibility of medical professionals to provide useful guidance on the topic though informative healthcare website design so that people can find reliable answers online. An alternative option is to enquire at your doctors or by asking the advice of trusted family and friends. 

Learning about the benefits and negatives of the flu vaccination can help you make an informed decision, and feel confident in your choice. 

Here is a list of the pros and cons:

Getting a flu vaccination - the pros

It prevents the flu

Getting the flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that this is the most effective method for a person to avoid catching this illness. 

If you do catch the flu, your symptoms may be milder

Persons who decide to get the flu vaccination who go on to catch the flu tend to find that their symptoms are less harsh and don't last as long as those who get the flu but haven't been vaccinated.

The risk of severe complications and having to be hospitalized is also lower for specific groups

Statistics show that being vaccinated against the flu means particular groups are at a lower risk of influenza-related complications and less likely to be hospitalized because of the illness. These groups include children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Other people who are likely to benefit include those with chronic conditions, for example, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. 

You are helping to prevent the disease from spreading

By opting to receive the flu shot, you then reduce your risk of catching the disease. This, in turn, reduces your risk of then spreading it to other, non-vaccinated people who either choose not to or are unable to for particular reasons, such as being too young.

Getting a flu vaccination - the cons

You may still get the flu

Just because you are vaccinated doesn't mean you are wholly guaranteed not to get the flu. After receiving the vaccination, there is a two week period before you will build up immunity, and so in this time period it is still possible to catch the disease. It is also possible to even catch the flu post immunity if the flu shot given doesn't protect against selected strains. While researchers try to predict which strains are most likely to circulate during flu season, they may predict incorrectly. So if the vaccine isn't a good 'vaccine match,' then people who got the shot may still be vulnerable to particular strains out there. 

Potential for allergic reaction

Some people may develop a severe and even life-threatening allergic reaction to the flu shot. If this happens, it will usually occur anywhere between two minutes post receiving the vaccine to two hours later. An allergic reaction can be mild or severe, and you must seek immediate medical attention if experiencing any of the following:

  • breathlessness or trouble breathing
  • wheezing when trying to breath
  • a rapid heartbeat
  • breaking out in a rash or hives
  • swelling around the eyes and mouth
  • dizziness
  • weakness

Guillain-Barre syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition that can be triggered after receiving the flu vaccine. It is extremely rare but very serious. Those who have already had Guillain-Barre syndrome should speak with their doctor if they are considering getting the flu shot. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system starts to attack the healthy peripheral nerves. Signs of this condition include weakness, numbness, and tingling, and if left untreated, it can eventually cause paralysis. 

Should you get the flu shot?

Deciding whether to get or not get the flu vaccine is up to the individual. However, there are some groups of people who are advised to vaccinate against the disease each year as they are more at-risk. These people include older adults, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions. By understanding the pros and cons of receiving the vaccination, people can educate themselves and therefore make a more confident and informed decision.