6 flu myths debunked by a Walgreens pharmacist

Feverish foreheads, contagious coughs and unstoppable sniffles confirm sick season is in full swing. As the holidays approach and many spend more time indoors with loved ones, the risk of contracting common respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, pneumonia and RSV will rise.  

But germs aren’t the only things spreading this fall and winter; many vaccine-related myths and misinformation are also circulating and posing a risk to the health and safety of communities.  

Pharmacy manager Kaliope Tsirogiannis, who has worked at Walgreens for 24 years, breaks down common flu myths that you might hear this season.

Myth #1: I’m healthy, so I don’t need to get vaccinated.  

FALSE. Vaccines are a safe and dependable way to help build immunity even in healthy individuals. They are the best way to protect against respiratory illnesses and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.

“A lot of people really think this myth is true and ask about it,” Tsirogiannis says. “And although a flu shot might not always prevent you from getting the flu, it may prevent you from being hospitalized because of the flu.”

This time of year can be busy, but it’s critical that everyone takes the time to get their annual flu shot, updated COVID-19 vaccine and other CDC-recommended immunizations, like RSV and pneumonia (pneumococcal). Getting vaccinated also reduces the chances that you’ll spread respiratory illnesses to people who are at higher risk of developing severe complications.  

Myth #2: Getting the flu shot can give you the flu.

FALSE. Injectable flu vaccines are not infectious because they’re made with inactive flu strains, Tsirogiannis says.

“When I hear this one, I just explain to patients that it’s not going to cause the flu,” she says. “Worst case symptoms after a flu shot are going to be a low-grade fever and some redness or soreness at the injection site.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches and fatigue.

Myth #3: It’s too late to get vaccinated.  

FALSE. If you haven’t gotten the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine, it’s not too late.

“At the end of the day, it's better to get vaccinated than not be vaccinated at all,” Tsirogiannis says.

However, you should get your recommended vaccines as soon as possible, especially before you travel or gather this holiday season to allow for time for immunity to fully develop and increase your protection.  

Walgreens makes it simple to get all the recommended vaccines you need in one visit. To schedule a vaccination appointment in English or Spanish, use the Walgreens app, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS. We offer flexible openings, including nights and weekends, and walk-ins are welcome.    

Myth #4: I won’t be able to afford my vaccinations.  

FALSE. The flu shot and other recommended vaccines are covered by most insurance plans, and for those who are uninsured, Walgreens offers 200,000 flu shot vouchers annually to provide free flu immunizations for medically underserved populations that need them most. Vouchers are available in-store and at clinics operated by Walgreens off-site, while supplies last.  

“Just talk to your local pharmacist about the vouchers, and they’ll explain it you,” Tsirogiannis says.

The voucher program is part of a broader effort by Walgreens to help ensure underserved and at-risk communities stay safe from respiratory illnesses while improving awareness, access and equity to vaccines.  

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

FALSE. They should. Pregnant women—along with young children and seniors—at a higher risk for complications if they contract the flu.

“Getting vaccinated while pregnant can also help protect a baby from flu, especially since they are too young to get vaccinated for the first few months of life,” Tsirogiannis says.

Are there any group of patients who shouldn’t get a flu shot? According to the CDC, there are only a few groups who shouldn’t, including children younger than 6 months; people with life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) like gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients; and people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past.

Allergic to eggs? Flu vaccines are safe to administer to people with egg allergy of any severity.

Myth #6: I have mild symptoms, so I don’t need to get tested for flu or COVID-19.  

Flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms to the common cold or other respiratory illnesses. Individuals who are experiencing a runny or stuffy nose, cough or other respiratory symptoms should consider getting tested.

“Especially with the holidays coming up, you should get tested not just for yourself but to protect your loved ones around you,” Tsirogiannis says. “You don’t want to pass the flu or COVID-19 on to someone who is immunocompromised.”

Walgreens offers a variety of convenient, low-cost options for flu and COVID-19 testing, including an easy combination test for COVID-19 and influenza A/B with results in 30 minutes or less, for $24.99. Additionally, at-home tests, along with over-the-counter medicine cabinet essentials, are available for delivery in as little as 1 hour. And, if you are sick or just looking for affordable, convenient home delivery, Walgreens offers Same Day Prescription Delivery for $5.99 at more than 8,000 Walgreens with no membership required.   

This season, Walgreens is here for you

Walgreens is your one-stop resource for all your immunization, testing and treatment needs this holiday season. If you have any questions, our expert pharmacists are here to help navigate the latest vaccination guidance and what is recommended for you and your loved ones.  

“I truly love being pharmacist, and I love helping people,” Tsirogiannis says. “If you have questions or concerns, your local pharmacist is there for you.”

Schedule your vaccine now at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.