Health, Wellness: The Flu Shot: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Who Should Get It
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- Category: Haute This Issue
- Published on Monday, 12 October 2026 11:49
- Written by Health, Wellness Editor
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes serious complications. Because influenza viruses change over time, flu vaccines are updated for each season.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for nearly everyone age six months and older who does not have a medical reason to avoid it.
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The flu shot cannot guarantee that a person will not become infected, but it can lower the chance of illness and, importantly, reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Deciding whether to be vaccinated is personal, but the decision is best made with accurate information and, when needed, advice from a health-care professional.
Benefits of Getting a Flu Shot
The main benefit is protection against influenza and its complications. Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year because circulating viruses may not perfectly match the strains chosen for the vaccine. Even when the match is imperfect, vaccination may make an infection shorter or less severe. It also reduces the likelihood that a person will need medical care or be admitted to a hospital.
Vaccination also helps protect other people. Someone who is less likely to become infected is less likely to pass influenza to family members, coworkers, classmates, patients, or neighbors. This community benefit matters because some people—such as infants younger than six months—cannot receive a flu vaccine, while others may not develop a strong immune response. For pregnant people, vaccination protects the mother and can pass antibodies to the baby, providing some protection during the first months of life. The vaccine is updated annually, and several formulations are available so clinicians can choose an age-appropriate option.
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Possible Drawbacks and Limitations
The flu shot's most common disadvantages are temporary side effects. Pain, redness, or swelling can occur where the injection was given. Some people develop a mild headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, or a low fever for a day or two. These effects reflect an immune response and are generally much milder than influenza itself. An injectable flu vaccine does not contain live influenza virus that can cause the flu.
Another limitation is that protection is not immediate; the body usually needs about two weeks to develop antibodies. Protection can also decrease over time, which is one reason vaccination is repeated every year. Rarely, a serious allergic reaction may occur. A very small increase in the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome has been associated with some flu seasons, although influenza infection itself can also trigger serious neurologic problems. No medical product is risk-free, so people with relevant health histories should discuss the balance of risks with a clinician.
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Who Should Get Vaccinated—and Why
Annual vaccination is recommended for most people age six months and older. It is especially important for those more likely to become seriously ill: adults age 65 and older; children younger than five, especially those under two; pregnant people and those who may become pregnant during flu season; residents of nursing homes or long-term-care facilities; and people with chronic medical conditions. Higher-risk conditions include asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, neurologic conditions, and weakened immune systems. Vaccination is also important for health-care workers, caregivers, and household members of high-risk people because it helps reduce the chance of bringing influenza to someone vulnerable.
Adults age 65 and older are generally advised to receive a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccine when one is available because these formulations may produce a stronger immune response. However, getting another age-appropriate flu vaccine is usually better than delaying vaccination. Children receiving influenza vaccine for the first time may need two doses, depending on their age and vaccination history. A pediatric clinician can confirm the correct schedule.
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Who Should Seek Medical Guidance First
Infants younger than six months are too young to be vaccinated. Anyone who has had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine or one of its ingredients should speak with a health-care professional before receiving another dose.
People with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, especially if it occurred within six weeks of a flu vaccine, should also discuss their individual risks and benefits. Those who are moderately or severely ill may be advised to wait until they recover. A minor illness, such as a mild cold, usually is not a reason to postpone vaccination. People with egg allergy can generally receive an age-appropriate flu vaccine, but they should tell the person administering it about their allergy and other medical conditions.
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Timing and Bottom Line
For most people in the United States, September or October is an appropriate time to be vaccinated, ideally before influenza spreads widely. Vaccination can still be useful later in the season while flu viruses are circulating. The best vaccine depends on age, health, pregnancy status, and availability.
Overall, the flu shot offers meaningful protection with mostly mild, short-lived side effects. Its greatest value is not only preventing some infections but also reducing severe outcomes and helping shield vulnerable people. Individuals with previous serious reactions, certain neurologic histories, or questions about vaccine type should consult a qualified clinician. For most eligible people, the expected benefits outweigh the known risks.
