by Dr. Jen Caudle

As a family doctor, I hear more myths about the flu shot than almost any other health issue, so I'm here to debunk some common myths.

Myth #1: "The Flu Shot Will Cause the Flu"

This is False. Please tell your mother, your father, your kids, your friends and everyone else you know. This is by far, the BIGGEST misconception about the flu.

The flu shot does not cause the flu. Flu shots given via needle are not made of a live virus at all. Rather, these vaccines are made of either a killed virus or a single protein from the virus.

The nasal spray flu vaccine has a live virus in it, but it's weakened so it does not cause illness.

Myth #2: "Getting the Flu Shot Will Increase Your Risk of Getting COVID19"

This is FALSE. According to the CDC, "there is no evidence that getting a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19."

Myth #3: "Pregnant Women Should NOT Get a Flu Shot"

This is FALSE. On the contrary, pregnant women SHOULD get a flu shot. Some studies have shown that the flu shot lowered a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40 percent.

Myth #4: "If You Never Get Sick or Get the Flu, You Don't Need to Get a Flu Shot"

This is FALSE. Getting a flu shot not only protects you but it protects other people as well, including people that may not be able to get a flu shot and those who may be at higher risk for flu complications (young children, those with weakened immune systems, older people and those with underlying medical conditions).

Myth #5: "The Flu Shot Causes False-Positive COVID19 Tests."

This is simply false. It does not. Don't believe the hype.

I hope this was helpful! Please get your flu shot!

Dr. Jen

Dr. Jen Caudle is a Family Doctor & Associate Professor at Rowan University, an On-air health expert, and Video creator. Please sign up for her free newsletter and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for daily health videos.