One such misconception is that the flu shot will cause them to develop a severe side effect. Severe side effects are extremely rare. According to the World Health Organization, roughly one in one million people may develop a secondary condition known as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), but with the risk so low, it’s outweighed by the benefits.
Knowledge of this often plays a role in people’s fear of getting the flu shot, which Dr. Palmay notes is frequently taken out of context and fails to include the complications that can arise if a person gets the flu.
“Of course, there are side effects and potential complications with any medication or immunization, but the reality is that these aren’t new. They’re heavily studied,” she said.
People also fail to understand the ramifications that can occur due to flu infection, not immunization.
For example, GBS can also develop after being infected with influenza, along with other neurological complications, including Reye syndrome, transverse myelitis, seizures, and encephalitis.
“It’s all about perspective and context, and I can tell you, I am much more fearful as a healthcare provider dealing with the ramifications of a severe vaccine-preventable disease versus the side effects that we know and are expected from an immunization,” she said.