Flu season comes around every year, and flu shots are offered every year as well to protect you from illness. But many people decide to skip getting a flu shot, citing a variety of reasons why they don’t think they need one. Maybe you’ve heard friends say it’s “not worth it” or that “only certain people need it.” Or you’ve said the same thing yourself.

It’s easy to feel like the flu is no big deal or that you don’t need a flu shot, but the fact is that the flu can be more serious than people realize. It can knock you off your feet for days, cause dangerous complications and even lead to hospitalization. And if you’re infected with the virus, it doesn’t just affect you. It also increases the chance that others you come in contact with may get sick.

Here are the most common reasons people give for not getting a flu shot—and why you may want to rethink your reasoning if you’re among them:

1. “I got the flu shot before so I’m covered”– Unfortunately, last year’s shot won’t protect you this year. The strains of flu viruses that make their rounds from year to year are constantly changing and each year’s shot includes protection from the strains expected to be circulating. Also, your immunity fades over time. That’s why doctors recommend getting a flu shot every year.
2. “I’m healthy so I don’t need one” – Feeling healthy or strong doesn’t make you immune and the flu can still hit you hard and lead to serious problems. Getting the shot helps your body fight off the virus before it gets bad.
3. “The vaccine can give me the flu” – Although this is a common myth, it isn’t true. The flu shot doesn’t contain a live virus, so it can’t give you the flu. You might feel a little sore or achy afterward, but that’s your immune system doing its job.
4. “I’ll wait until the flu is in my area” – By the time you hear the flu is spreading locally, it may already be too late. The vaccine takes about two weeks to build up your immunity. Getting it early gives you the best protection.
5. “I hate needles”– No one loves getting poked, but the discomfort lasts seconds. The flu, on the other hand, can make you miserable for a week or more. If you’re eligible, there’s a nasal spray so you don’t need to get poked, and it can be sent to your home so you can do it yourself.
6. “I already had the flu this year” – Even if you’ve been sick, the vaccine can still help protect you from other strains you haven’t encountered yet. It’s still a good idea to get the shot even if you’ve already been sick.

Why You Should Get a Flu Shot Every Year

The flu shot lowers your chances of catching the flu. If you do get sick, it often makes symptoms milder and recovery quicker. It also protects people around you, like babies, older adults and those with health conditions that make them more susceptible to complications from the flu. Skipping the shot might seem harmless, but it leaves you and others more vulnerable. The vaccine is quick, safe and one of the easiest things you can do to protect your health — and the health of your community — every flu season.

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