The flu vaccine is given as a preventative measure to protect you against the influenza virus. Flu vaccines are made from inactivated flu viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges that everyone who is physically able to get a flu vaccine do so. According to the CDC, it is especially important that pregnant women, those over 50 years old and children under 5 receive flu vaccines. However, there are a few reasons why you may not want to get a flu vaccine.
Egg Allergy
The flu virus that is used in vaccines is grown inside eggs, according to the CDC. If you have an egg allergy, you should avoid getting a flu vaccine. If you have ever had an allergic reaction after eating an egg or after receiving a flu shot, talk to your doctor about the possibility of an egg allergy and avoid getting a flu shot until you are tested for allergies.
Too Young
Children under 6 months of age should not receive flu vaccines, according to KidsHealth.org. If you have a child under 6 months old, you can protect her from getting the flu by keeping her away from people who are sick. Help your baby stay healthy by getting flu vaccines for the members of your household who are able to receive a vaccine. Wash your baby's hands often and continue breastfeeding, if you are doing so, to give her the best protection against the flu.
Fever
If you are suffering from a fever, you should put off getting a flu vaccine until you feel better, according to the CDC. You can receive a flu vaccine while you are suffering from a respiratory illness, as long as it is not accompanied by fever.
Guillain--Barré Syndrome
If you suffer from Guillain--Barré syndrome or have experienced Guillain--Barré syndrome after receiving a flu shot, you should avoid getting the vaccine, according to the CDC. Guillain--Barré syndrome is a rare illness that affects the nervous system. The symptoms of Guillain--Barré syndrome include weak, tingling legs, and even paralyzation, in severe cases.
Past Reaction
If you have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, avoid getting another flu shot. KidsHealth.org states that most people do not experience side effects from the flu vaccine, but if you have, you may want to find other ways to protect yourself from the flu in the future, just to be safe.
