Biggest Misconceptions About Flu Shots and How to Stay Healthy
This article was published in partnership with Walgreens
We may have gotten a late start to the colder weather, but holiday displays adorning storefronts and supermarkets are out in full force. If you’re getting together with loved ones, you’ve likely started your to-do list: what you’re cooking, where you’re traveling, how many gifts you need to buy. But there’s one holiday essential too many of us overlook—warding off respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumonia.
“It’s all about protecting not only yourself, but also protecting your loved ones,” says Rick Gates, Walgreens’ chief pharmacy officer. “Vaccines are proven safe and effective and continue to be the best way to protect against circulating viruses—and reduce how sick you get or feel if you do get a virus. Don’t let the flu or COVID-19 be the reason you have to miss out over the holidays.”
When Is the Best Time to Get a Flu Shot?
Misconception: If you haven’t gotten vaccinated already, it’s too late.
Since flu and COVID-19 cases are low now, getting vaccinated* may not be top of mind, but this is the right time to prioritize getting protected.
“When the weather gets cooler, people spend more time indoors, and that proximity can allow illnesses to spread more easily,” Gates says. “Put people into close quarters—on airplanes or at holiday parties, for example—and the chance of swapping bugs and viruses goes up.”
And there’s another reason you don’t want to wait— it takes about two weeks after a vaccination to achieve full protection. So, getting your shots ASAP means you’ll be more protected by the time you’re hugging family and friends, especially those like older folks, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and young children.
That said, if you haven’t had a chance to get your flu shot, it’s not too late. That’s true even into the winter months, when these viruses continue to circulate in our communities.
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Can You Get a Flu Shot and COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time?
Misconception: You need to make separate appointments.
You don’t need to make separate appointments to get these shots. “It’s safe to get multiple vaccines at the same time, including flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal,” Gates says.
You can easily make an appointment at Walgreens.com or via the app—you can even just walk-in to your nearest store.
If you have any questions or concerns, your local Walgreens pharmacist can help you understand what vaccines are right for you.
How Effective Is the Flu Shot?
Misconception: The flu shot isn’t 100% effective, so it’s not worth getting.
“The flu shot is updated annually to anticipate and protect against the most common virus strains believed to be circulating during the upcoming flu season,” Gates explains. “They’re not always a perfect match, but getting your annual flu shot goes a long way in not only protecting against the flu but also reducing the risk of severe illness if you do get sick.”
Same goes for the COVID-19 vaccine that’s being offered at Walgreens now, which is an updated formulation that protects from the dominant strains circulating this year.
The protection from these vaccines can be the difference between holing up at home for a few days with what feels like a cold, versus ending up in the hospital. When you’re not feeling great, Walgreens has what you need.
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What to Do If You Feel Sick Around the Holidays?
Misconception: Testing is a hassle.
“Anyone experiencing symptoms like runny nose, fever, or cough—or dealing with recent exposure to someone who’s sick—should consider getting tested at Walgreens to know with greater confidence which virus they may have, especially before traveling or gathering with loved ones this holiday season,” Gates recommends.
Testing is simple and straightforward; which may include an easy combination test for COVID-19 and flu that’s administered at the pharmacy with results in 30 minutes or less**. At-home tests can be delivered right to your door in under an hour, along with over-the-counter essentials (think cough medicine, fever reducer, and tissues). Speak to your pharmacist in person, over the phone or via the chat feature on the Walgreens website, and they’ll make some recommendations for managing symptoms.
Bottom line: Vaccines are designed to protect you from getting sick. But even if you’re fit and healthy, or don’t worry much about illness, the best gift you can give your friends and family is to help protect them from respiratory illnesses this holiday season.
*Vaccines subject to availability. State -, age – and health-related restrictions may apply.
**Available to customers ages 3 and older. Payment due at time of service if test is not covered by insurance. Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time.