There are lots of myths associated with the flu and the flu vaccine and it’s good to be aware of them so you can pass the information onto your customers. Let's take a look at the common ones - you may have heard these from friends/family and even from your customers. 

The flu vaccine causes the flu - MYTH!

• The injected flu vaccine contains inactivated flu viruses.
• Some people may experience a slight temperature, muscle aches or their arm may be a bit sore.
• Other reactions are very rare.
• The nasal spray flu vaccination contains live but weakened flu viruses.

The flu is just like having a heavy cold - MYTH!

• It's really not!
• Symptoms can come on very suddenly.
• Symptoms include: headache, fever, chills, aching muscles as well as a cough and sore throat.
• Flu can be debilitating.
• Complications from flu can be serious and potentially fatal in vulnerable patients.

Flu cannot be treated with antibiotics – FACT!

• Flu is caused by a virus.
• Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections.
• Some people may be prescribed an antiviral; which doesn’t cure flu but can help reduce the risk of becoming infected.

You need to have the flu vaccination every year – FACT

• The viruses causing flu change every year.
• You need a vaccination that matches the new virus each year.
• A flu vaccination provides protection against flu for the duration of that year’s flu season.

Pregnant women shouldn’t have the flu vaccine as it may harm the baby - MYTH

• Pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing complications if they catch the flu.
• They should have a flu vaccination regardless of what stage they are in their pregnancy.
• Flu vaccination can also protect the baby against flu after they are born and during the first few months of life.

It’s too late to have the flu vaccine in March - MYTH!

• You should take up the offer of the flu vaccine when it becomes available.
• The best time to have it is from the beginning of October to the end of November.
• It’s not too late to get vaccinated after this as the vaccine will still offer protection.

Even if you think you have had the flu, you should still have the vaccination – FACT!

• “At risk" groups, should get vaccinated.
• Flu can be caused by several viruses.
• A person could go on to catch another strain, so it is recommended they have the vaccine even if they have recently had the flu.

Children can’t have the vaccine - MYTH!

According to GOV UK National flu immunisation programme 2025 to 2026 Flu vaccination is offered to children in the following categories:

• All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025.
• School aged children (from Reception to Year 11).
• All children aged from 6 months to less than 18 years in clinical risk groups e.g. those with pre-existing illness such as a respiratory or neurological condition and children having treatment that weakens their immune system such as chemotherapy.

Vaccination for most children is usually in the form of a nasal spray unless there are contraindications as shown on the NHS Childs Flu Vaccination website.