In short, very.

There are many different strains of the influenza virus. Every year, experts work to predict the strains that will be circulating in the community. Because these flu virus strains change from year to year, it is important to get the best protection each year with an updated flu vaccine.

Flu can lead to more serious infections, like pneumonia, as well as other complications. “Flu season can be unpredictable and coincides with circulation of other respiratory viruses,” said Andi Shane, MD, MPH, System Medical Director, Infectious Diseases. “The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is for everyone 6 months and older to get a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as they become available.” Making sure that everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated receives the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is one of the best ways to keep your family healthy.

“It’s safe to get both a COVID-19 and a flu vaccine at the same time. Some parents worry about side effects, but if these occur, they are mild,” said Dr. Shane, “We have data that receiving both vaccines at the same time also results in good protection.”

Getting a yearly flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect everyone.

Flu shots:

1. Reduce the chance of getting the flu and from having a severe flu infection.
   • People who get a flu vaccine have fewer days of symptoms, less severe symptoms and are less likely to need medical care.
   • Flu vaccination decreases hospitalizations, as well as serious illness and death from the flu.


2. Protect pregnant mothers and infants in the family.
   • A 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with the flu by close to half.
   • Not only does getting a flu vaccine during pregnancy help protect expectant mothers; a flu vaccine during pregnancy helps to protect babies from flu infection for the first 6 months after birth (during the time that babies are too young to be vaccinated).
   • All caregivers, friends and family members who will come into contact with you and your infant should be vaccinated. This practice, called cocooning, is a way to help protect vulnerable babies from vaccine-preventable diseases before they are old enough to be vaccinated.


3. Help protect other kids and adults who have chronic medical conditions or have compromised immune systems.
   • Flu vaccination helps reduce everyone’s risk of becoming seriously ill, but this is especially important for those who have medical conditions, like asthma or diabetes.
   • Vaccination also helps protect children who have compromised immune systems.


4. Are safe and protect children.
   • There’s been a lot of experience with the safety of the flu vaccine. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot—the flu vaccine does not cause the flu or any other infection.
   • An allergic reaction to the flu vaccine is incredibly rare. In the past, having an egg allergy used to be a reason not to get a flu shot, but this is no longer true. All children 6 months and older, including those with egg allergies, should receive an annual flu vaccine. Check with your child’s pediatrician or allergist if you have questions about your child’s allergy.