

Seasonal Flu Shot

Questions & Answers

Visit What You Should Know for the 2015-2016 Influenza Season for flu and flu vaccine information specific to the 2015-16 flu season.

What is the flu shot?

The flu shot is a vaccine given with a needle, usually in the arm. The seasonal flu shot protects against the three or four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.

Is there more than one type of flu shot available?

There are several flu vaccine options for the 2015-2016 flu season.





Who should get vaccinated this season?



More information is available at Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza.

Who should not get a flu shot?


Flu Shot:

Nasal Spray Vaccine:

How effective is the flu shot?

The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation. For more information, see Vaccine Effectiveness – How well does the Flu Vaccine Work.

What are the risks from getting a flu shot?


What are the side effects that could occur?

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Fever (low grade)
  • Aches


  • Toughness and itching where the shot was given


Can severe problems occur?

Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. Signs of serious allergic reaction can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. If they do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. These reactions can occur among persons who are allergic to something that is in the vaccine, such as egg protein or other ingredients. While severe reactions are uncommon, you should let your doctor, nurse, clinic, or pharmacist know if you have a history of allergy or severe reaction to flu vaccine or any part of flu vaccine, including eggs.


What should I do if I have had a serious reaction to seasonal influenza vaccine?

Call a doctor, or get to a doctor right away.


Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form, or call VAERS at 1-800-822-7967.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?


More information about these studies is available at:


The flu shot can cause mild side effects that are sometimes mistaken for flu. For example, people sometimes experience a sore arm where the shot was given. The needle stick may also cause some soreness at the injection site. Rarely, people who get the flu shot have fever, muscle pain, and feelings of discomfort or weakness. If experienced at all, these effects usually last 1-2 days after vaccination and are much less severe than actual flu illness.



  2. People may become ill from other (non-flu) viruses that circulate during the flu season, which can also cause flu-like symptoms (such as rhinovirus).

Lastly, the flu shot can cause mild side effects that are sometimes mistaken for flu. See ‘Why do some people not feel well after getting the flu shot?’ for more information.