Last year Tennessee saw some of the highest flu activity in the nation. Experts say that’s because fewer people were getting the flu shot. Some choose not to protect themselves because they hear misinformation about the flu vaccine.

To separate fact from fiction, WellTuned spoke with Dr. Monica Peeler, a physician and medical director for pharmacy management for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

Dr. Peeler addressed common myths about the flu vaccine:

Myth #1: The flu vaccine will give me the flu.

Dr. Peeler: The flu vaccine will not give you the flu. The flu shot you get at your doctor’s office or pharmacy contains a small protein or inactivated virus, not live virus, so there’s no way for you to get the flu from the vaccine. Some people may feel tired or achy afterward, as their body reacts to the vaccine. That’s a normal response, and it doesn’t mean you’re getting the flu.

Myth #2: The flu is no big deal, so I don’t need a vaccine.

Dr. Peeler: Between 25,000-72,000 people died from flu-related illnesses during the 2023-2024 season. Older adults, people with underlying medical conditions and young children are the most vulnerable. About 200 children, including at least five in Tennessee, died from the flu or flu-related complications last year. The majority were not vaccinated.

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Myth #3: I’m healthy, so I don’t need to get a flu shot.

Dr. Peeler: With rare exceptions, everyone over the age of six months should get the flu vaccine. The flu virus doesn’t care if you’re healthy or not. You can still get a severe case of the flu. Plus, if you get vaccinated, you’re less likely to spread the virus to more vulnerable people.

Myth #4: The flu vaccine doesn’t work.

Dr. Peeler: The flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get the flu. But it will reduce your chances of getting the flu. If you get the flu, the vaccine will reduce the severity of your symptoms. It can reduce your chances of needing to see your doctor or be hospitalized.

Also, it can take about two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect and give you protection against the flu. It’s possible that you might be exposed in the interim period and still come down with the flu.

Myth #5: Pregnant people shouldn’t get a flu shot.

Dr. Peeler: Experts recommend that pregnant people get vaccinated against the flu. The flu can be more severe in pregnant people, which can put you and your baby at risk. You can get a flu vaccine during any trimester.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from the flu,” Dr. Peeler says. “Believing myths about the flu vaccine could lead to unnecessary illness. If you’re hesitant about getting the flu shot, talk to your health care provider so you can make a fact-based decision for yourself and your loved ones.”

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.