Contrary to popular belief, being vaccinated for the flu virus cannot give people the flu. The vaccine itself contains no live virus to cause infection. However, once injected, it does take 10 to 14 days to effectively begin to protect you from the flu virus making it possible to still get the flu from previous contact during this period. The vaccine has been proven to be 70 to 90 per cent effective against the flu in most persons. Individuals who do get the flu, even after a vaccination, often find that their symptoms are much milder.
Some people occasionally experience tenderness at the site where the needle was given.
This can last up to two days. In rare cases, some people have also experienced fatigue, muscle aches and a low fever for a day or two afterward. The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is very small. Ontario residents can be vaccinated against the flu at the offices of family physicians, at pharmacy-sponsored clinics, clinics run by local public health units, hospitals and community health centres, and at workplaces that are offering the immunization through corporate programs. Or, contact your local Public Health Unit .