Ditch the Myths – Get Your Flu Shot Now

Embry-Riddle healthcare professionals will offer flu shots, while supplies last, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the Student Union next to the Events Center.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that “getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Experts have warned of a potential “twindemic” this year – a severe flu season striking amid a pandemic. Most of us will be gathering with our families for the holidays in just a few weeks.

So, what are you waiting for?

Don’t fall for misinformation about influenza vaccines. The CDC’s answers to common misconceptions are summarized below. The following are all TRUE statements:

• Flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu shots are made with either inactivated viruses or with only a single protein from the flu virus. Nasal spray flu vaccines contain live viruses that are weakened so that they will not cause illness.

• The flu is an equal opportunity virus. Anyone can get hit by the flu. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone six months or older. During the last season, the CDC estimates, fewer than half of Americans got a flu vaccine and at least 410,000 people were hospitalized from flu. Increased vaccination coverage would reduce that burden.
• Having a flu shot is much better than getting sick. Flu can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions. You may be a healthy young adult, but if you don’t get vaccinated, you could bring the flu home to more vulnerable family members.
• Side effects are rare and mild. The most common side effect from a flu shot is tenderness where the shot was given, the CDC says, adding that “serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare.”
• Flu shots are effective. We have all heard someone say, “Oh, I never get the flu shot because I got it once and then I got sick.” If you hear this excuse, keep in mind that coincidence does not equal evidence. Having a flu shot can reduce your risk of getting the flu by up to 60 percent, the CDC reports. People may get sick for various reasons after getting a flu shot. The CDC estimates that flu vaccinations prevented 4.4 million cases of flu, 2.3 million flu-associated hospitalizations and 3,500 flu-associated deaths.

To get your flu vaccine while supplies last on the Daytona Beach Campus, go to the Student Union (by the Events Center) on Wednesday, Oct. 28 between 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Here’s what you need to know:

• No appointment is necessary.
• Students should bring their EagleCard and insurance ID card with them to receive a flu vaccine.
• A limited number of vaccinations will be available at no cost to employees currently working on campus, as a benefit. Bring your EagleCard.
• Employees who are not currently working on campus should not come onto campus. These employees should obtain their flu shots through local pharmacies or through personal healthcare providers.
• Note that those over age 65 may need a different type of flu vaccination. Check with your healthcare provider.

If you are feeling ill, or suspect you may be sick, stay in your living quarters and notify Health Services.