The flu vaccine definitely does not give you the flu, nor does it give you a little bit of the (live) influenza virus. All influenza vaccines used in Australia are made from the deactivated ‘shell’ of the flu virus. Think of it like the body of a car — imagine the shell of a car without the motor, so it doesn’t actually run.

There is another kind of flu vaccine, called the live attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV), which could explain why some Australians mistakenly believe they’re being given a live vaccine. The LAIV is made from weakened flu virus and is sprayed into the nostrils. But it is only available overseas, including in the US.

Some people confuse normal responses to the flu vaccine as symptoms of the flu, such as swelling, redness and pain at the injection site, and fever, tiredness and muscle aches. These side effects are common and can last 1 to 2 days, and they show that the vaccine is triggering an immune response — which is what it’s designed to do.

Sadly it is a myth that many people believe, It does not give you the flu. However the alternative in not getting it is the flu and that would not be great. Explain to him that the flu even in this day and age can be life threatening.

No. It can give you flu like symptoms for a few days. It also takes a couple of weeks at least for immunity to kick in during which time you can get the flu. But in general the flu vaccine saves a hell of a lot of lives and anyone who is able should get it.

No it cannot. But it can take up to a month for your immune response to kick in after the flu jab, so that is a window where you may not be covered and can get sick. Many people will refer to a cold as the flu, but the actually flu is far more debilitating than the common cold.

As with most vaccinations, you should expect a mild reaction. Sone people get it real bad, others is just a mild form and still others notice nothing

short answer is NO. each year a flu vaccination is prepared based on the most “outstanding” flu presentation. If exposed to virus other than the one the vaccination is to protect, then there is a possibility.

I think it can make you a little sick but not full blown flu

No tests have proven that it doesn’t

It does not give you the flu but you are receiving a small amount of the virus (but not live vaccine)

No, this is a total myth.

Gp’s often recommend that at risk groups have the flu vaccine, such as the elderly and those with compromised health.

Your GP should be able to give your son age appropriate literature to read regarding the flu vaccine. It may help with making a decision.

I had the flu injection a few years ago. And this year my children aged 11 and 12 were vaccinated also. I think it was worth it at least better than the experience of the flu, I’ve got the peace of mind that I’m vaccinated.

I think the worse thing you can get is a ache in the arm.. Remember its a flu injection.. It does not stop people from getting the common cold which a lot of people think is the flu.. That is until they really get the flu for the first time.. Its so bad…

No you can not get the flu from the vaccine. 🙂

You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Sometimes people get the flu or are in the process of getting it just before they have the vaccine. Hence they get flu like symptoms or the flu just a day or so after the jab. The vaccine takes a week or more to get working in your system,

You can’t get the flu from the vaccine (although I sometimes wonder about picking it up from the surgery while waiting in line!). And neither is it possible to pass the flu onto others having had the vaccine.

Because the viruses in this vaccine are killed (inactivated), the shot won’t cause you to get the flu, but it will enable your body to develop the antibodies necessary to ward off influenza viruses. I can’t speak from experience however, as I am medically unable to have the shot!

A family member had the flu vaccination and got the flu!

Previous comments are right. The vaccine doesnt comtain the live virus so you cant get the flu from having the vaccine. But some people think it does cause the flu either becuase they coincidently get a cold around the same time or get a different strain of the flu that the jab doesnt cover. Also it takes a few weeks from jab to your body building protection so if you happen to catch it in that time its just unlucky. But definatly not from the vaccination itself.