Posted on September 11, 2026
Last updated on September 18th, 2026 at 11:33 am
The fall season’s cold winds and stunning foliage also comes with a reminder for the upcoming 2026-2027 flu season. The annual peak of the flu is just a a few months away, and a flu vaccine needs a couple of weeks before it could make you immune to seasonal viruses.
Let’s discuss how the flu vaccine works and its role in boosting your immunity.
Key Facts About the Flu Vaccine
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about flu vaccines. As we become more health-conscious amid the pandemic, here are some facts that you should know about flu vaccines:
- A flu vaccine takes approximately two weeks before our body builds enough antibodies to fight seasonal viruses.
- Fever and muscle aches are normal responses of our immune system when introduced with foreign bodies from the flu vaccine.
- You can still get sick after getting a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are cultured based on certain types of seasonal viruses and do not cover the new and unknown types of viruses like COVID.
- Other factors that limit the ability of the flu vaccine to boost immunity depends on every individual. The level of immunity to the virus that the flu vaccine provides depends on your age, any medical conditions / chronic illnesses and your immune system.
- Some flu vaccines are tested on eggs that make those allergic to it hesitant to take flu shots. However, extreme allergic reactions are rare in those who are allergic to eggs. If you have a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, get your flu shot from a medical practitioner that can handle your condition.
The Different Kinds of Flu Vaccines
1. Quadrivalent flu vaccines can protect you against H1N1, H3N2, and two influenza B viruses. It comes with a variety of age-appropriate flu shots:
- Quadrivalent shots (6 months & up)
- Cell-based shots/Flucelvax Quadrivalent (4 years old & up)
- Recombinant shots/Flublok Quadrivalent (18 years old & up)
2. Trivalent flu vaccines provide immunity against H1N1, H3N2, and one influenza B virus. The varieties of vaccine below are for ages 65 and above:
- High-dose shots/Fluzone high-dose Quadrivalent
- Adjuvanted flu vaccine
Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
Even though flu vaccines can’t provide 100% immunity to all kinds of viruses, it contributes to the decrease of flu-related diseases and deaths. Benefits of flu vaccines include:
- Protects you and your family from both life-threatening and seasonal flu
- Prevents hospitalizations in children
- Helps boost the immunity of pregnant women and the baby inside their womb
- Keeps flu-related chronic diseases from getting worse and decreases the need for hospitalization
- Relieves severe flu symptoms from people who still got sick from another strain of the flu virus
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Get Your Family’s Annual Flu Shot at Carolina Pharmacy!
You may also contact us to schedule a vaccination. Protect your family now and allow the vaccine to be in full-effect right before the flu season comes.
