Every fall, flu season brings a wave of questions—and sometimes hesitation—about getting the flu shot. Conflicting messages in the news and on social media can make it hard to know what’s true. The fact is, flu vaccines have a long track record of safety, and they’re one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness.
“Flu vaccines are designed to protect you in two important ways,” explains Dr. Christopher Lucasti, Infectious Disease Specialist at Shore Medical Center. “They reduce your risk of getting the flu in the first place, and if you do get sick, they can make your illness significantly milder. That means fewer hospitalizations, fewer complications, and faster recovery.”
Why Even Healthy People Need the Vaccine
It’s easy to think, “I’m healthy, I’ll be fine if I get the flu.” But the flu isn’t just about you—it’s about the people you come into contact with every day. Even if you only have mild symptoms, you can pass the virus to someone who is far more vulnerable to serious complications. That includes infants and young children who are too young to be fully protected, older adults whose immune systems aren’t as strong, pregnant women who face higher risks for themselves and their babies, people with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and loved ones with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment.
“Every flu season, I’ve seen situations where a young, healthy person brings flu home and unintentionally spreads it to a grandparent or a child who ends up in the hospital,” says Dr. Lucasti. “By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re protecting the people around you who may not be able to fight the virus as well.”
Serious Flu Complications
The flu can lead to serious complications, even in people who are otherwise healthy. The most common include pneumonia, a leading cause of hospitalization; sepsis, a dangerous body-wide response to infection; inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) or brain (encephalitis); and asthma or breathing crises, which can occur even in those with mild or previously undiagnosed conditions. In the U.S. alone, the 2022–2023 flu season caused an estimated 31 million illnesses, 360,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths.
How Flu Vaccines Are Made Each Year
One of the most common questions people have is: If the flu keeps changing, how does the vaccine keep up? The answer lies in a global surveillance system that tracks flu viruses year-round. More than 100 countries share flu virus samples with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC. Experts review the data and select the three or four strains most likely to circulate in the upcoming season. Manufacturers then use egg-based, cell-based, or recombinant technology to create vaccines tailored to those strains. Each batch is rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness before public use.
“The flu vaccine isn’t a guess—it’s the product of an extensive global monitoring system,” explains Dr. Lucasti. “Even when it’s not a perfect match, vaccination still greatly reduces your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.”
What’s in the Flu Vaccine and Why It’s Safe
Flu vaccines contain carefully selected components designed to safely train the immune system to recognize influenza. They include inactivated virus proteins that cannot cause the flu, stabilizers to maintain effectiveness, and, in some formulations, preservatives or adjuvants that enhance immune response. Some multi-dose vials contain thimerosal, a preservative that includes ethyl-mercury. Unlike the methyl-mercury found in certain fish, ethyl-mercury is processed quickly by the body and does not accumulate. Trace amounts of antibiotics or egg protein may also be present depending on the manufacturing method, though egg-free vaccines are available for those with allergies.
Every ingredient is extensively tested for safety, and flu vaccines have one of the strongest safety records of any medical intervention. Mild side effects—such as soreness at the injection site, slight fatigue, or low-grade fever—are normal signs that your body is building protection. As Dr. Lucasti notes, “The risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or complications from the flu itself far outweighs any tiny risk from the vaccine. For those who prefer extra peace of mind, thimerosal-free vaccines are widely available. These ingredients are safe, and they are working to protect you and those around you.”
Vaccine Safety vs. Flu Risk
Serious reactions to flu vaccines are extremely rare. Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis occur in about 1 to 2 cases per 1 million doses. Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) occurs in about 1 case per 1 million vaccinations, while flu infection itself is roughly 17 times more likely to trigger GBS. Meanwhile, influenza infection causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths every year in the U.S. alone. The message is clear: the flu is far more dangerous than the vaccine.
Bottom Line
Getting a flu shot is a safe, smart step to protect yourself and those around you. Even if you catch the flu, being vaccinated means you’re more likely to have a milder illness, fewer complications, and a much lower chance of being hospitalized.
“The flu shot isn’t just about you—it’s about protecting your family, coworkers, and community,” says Dr. Lucasti. “It’s one of the simplest things you can do to stay healthier this season.”
Looking for a convenient way to get your flu vaccine?
Shore Physicians Group is hosting two drive-through flu vaccine clinics on Friday, September 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at its Somers Point Primary Care office (401 Bethel Road), or on Friday, October 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at its Northfield office (2605 Shore Road). Vaccines are available for adults 18 and older, with a special formulation for those 65+, and appointments are quick and easy. To reserve your spot, call 609-365-6200. Protect yourself and your loved ones this season with Shore Physicians Group’s hassle-free flu shot clinics. Learn more>
