Given Malaysia’s year-round summer-like weather, flu cases are exceptionally higher during the rainy season between December and March, as well as between May and August.

Nevertheless, the annual flu vaccine rate in the country is lower than it should be. This can be attributed to misconceptions and misinformation surrounding flu vaccines that causes many to opt out of getting their annual shots.

Awareness on the importance of vaccines is crucial towards curbing the spread of influenza in Malaysia. As such, here are six common assumptions, demystified and debunked.

1. You can catch the flu from the vaccine

The flu shot contains an inactivated virus that doesn’t transmit influenza. While some may experience flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, slight fever, and body aches after getting their shot, these are the immune system’s normal reactions to the vaccine and generally last just a day or two.

As the vaccine takes about two weeks for its full protective effect, those who come down with the flu or other upper-respiratory illnesses within this period might mistakenly associate their sickness with the vaccine.

2. ‘I am healthy and fit, so no need for a vaccine’

Influenza, which is more serious than the common cold, could develop into more life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia.

Healthy people are nevertheless able to spread the virus to those around them, putting vulnerable groups such as babies, pregnant mothers, senior citizens, and those with weakened immune systems – transplant patients and those suffering from chronic diseases, for example – at risk.

This is why the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for everyone aged six months and older to get their immune systems boosted through influenza vaccination.

3. ‘I had the vaccine but still got the flu, so it doesn’t work’

An infinite number of flu viruses circulate in the air, which is why some people could still get the flu despite being vaccinated. Coupled with the above fact that vaccines take two weeks for their full protective effect, it is expected that you may still suffer flu-like symptoms post-vaccination.

Still, one will likely experience milder symptoms and probably recover more quickly, as vaccination reduces the severity of the disease by enhancing your immune system to combat the virus.

4. The vaccine can cause severe side effects

Every vaccine is tested and evaluated for efficacy, safety and quality. In fact, the flu shot has one of the best safety profiles, with its primary side effect being soreness and tenderness at the site of injection that will go away within a matter of days.

5. An annual flu vaccine is unnecessary

To protect yourself and others, it is strongly encouraged that you get the vaccine annually. This is because the influenza virus constantly mutates, causing the vaccine you obtained a year ago to be less effective.

In addition, your body’s immune protection declines over time. Therefore, getting vaccinated every year can help maintain your immunity against the flu, especially in the event of an unprecedented outbreak.

6. Pregnant women should not get the vaccine

It is highly recommended for those who are pregnant to be vaccinated, given that they have a higher risk of complications from influenza than other women of reproductive age.

Studies have shown that the inactivated flu vaccine is safe to be administered at any stage of pregnancy. Moreover, the shot offers protection against the flu in babies for several months post-delivery.

This is noteworthy as infants younger than six months should not receive flu shots of their own, owing to potential side effects.

This article was written by DOC2US, a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere.