Getting a Flu Shot
Flu shots can increase the chance of staying healthy through the winter months. Getting vaccinated will not only help keep you healthy, but it can help to prevent you from getting others sick too. It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.
FREE Community Flu Shot Clinics
Your county Health Department maintains local resources about the flu. Please visit Maryland Department of Health Get Vaccinated to find phone numbers and links to your local Health Department.
What You Need to Know About Flu Shots
At the University of Maryland Medical System, our experts have answered some of the common questions that people have about flu vaccines. Read the FAQs below.
Do I need a flu shot if I got one last year?
Yes. The flu virus changes, so a vaccination is needed each year to protect you from the year's most common flu type.
Will I get the flu from the flu shot?
No. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. While most people feel fine after the shot, some may develop a mild fever or feel tired for a day or two. This is your body's normal response, working to protect you.
If I get the flu shot, does that mean I will not get the flu?
No. The flu shot is not 100 percent effective, but it does greatly lower your risk of getting the flu. There are many different types of the flu virus, and the shot doesn't protect you against all of them. Each year, the World Health Organization identifies three or four types most likely to be spread for that year's flu season to include in the flu shot.
Does the vaccine protect me right away?
No. It takes about two weeks for the shot to start working in your body, so you may still catch the flu after you have the shot.