Can a flu shot give me the flu?

No. The flu shot is made from an inactivated influenza virus and cannot give you the flu

"But my mom got sick..."

Some people experience body aches and fatigue for a short time after getting the flu shot, which is the body’s immune system responding to the vaccine.  

It is also possible that you may be exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the 2 weeks it takes the body to develop an immune response after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in you becoming ill with flu before the vaccine begins to protect you.

Show All Answers

1. What types of flu vaccine are available?
2. When does the flu season start? When does it end?
3. Can a flu shot give me the flu?
4. Is this year's vaccine a good match?
5. Why do we count pediatric flu deaths and not adult flu deaths?
6. What is the difference between a pandemic and a normal flu season?
7. When should I get vaccinated?
8. Does the flu vaccine work right away?
9. Does the flu shot wear off if I get it too early?
10. What protection does the flu vaccine provide if I do get sick with flu?
11. Why do I need a new flu shot every year?
12. Where can I get a flu vaccine?