Why Getting a Flu Shot Is Still Smart
Every year, a new flu shot is given to match the specific flu strains that are spreading around. This year’s shot is just a normal match, 30% effective against circulating strains. (Don’t believe the 10 percent numbers that go around in circles; this is based on a misunderstanding .) Even so, the flu shot is still a good bet.
When you compare the risks with the benefits, flu shots still outweigh them because the disadvantages are minimal. The flu shot can give you pain in your arm, but it doesn’t cause the flu (that’s a myth) and is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Flu shots are also free with insurance , and for most plans, you don’t even need to schedule a doctor’s appointment – you can get your shot on a Costco or Target run, or stop by the pharmacy while you’re not on the run. other assignments.
Despite such small disadvantages, only a small benefit is required to tip the scales in favor of vaccination. Here is Vox’s Julia Bellouse describing how well the shot can help prevent the flu:
In children, the best evidence – from a randomized controlled trial – suggests that the vaccine works reasonably well: on average, if you get six children under 6 years of age the flu shot, you can expect to prevent one flu. For children under 2 years of age, the benefits are less obvious; Evidence, the researchers found, was scanty, and from the studies available, the shot appeared to be as effective as a placebo.
However, in adults, the vaccine has a more modest effect. “Depending on the season,” explained Tom Jefferson, author of these Cochrane Reviews, “you need to vaccinate between 33 and 100 people to avoid one set of symptoms.” In a good year, when WHO guesses right and the flu shot matches the circulating strains, you need to get an average of 33 adult flu shots to prevent one case of illness. In a year when WHO guesses badly, 100 people need to be vaccinated to prevent one case of influenza.
A good strategy is to combine the flu shot with some healthy measures, such as washing your hands frequently during flu season and encouraging your friends and colleagues to stay home when they are sick. Read more at the link below, and if you’re still in doubt, check out this list of flu shot myths exposed .
How well do flu shots work? Here’s What Science Says | Vox
This post was originally published in 2015. We’ve updated it for the 2017–2018 flu season.