Flu Shot Facts, Side Effects & Risks

Understanding Flu Shots at the University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff. One key part of this effort is making flu shots easily accessible across campus through the Campus Health Service.

Flu shots play an important role in minimizing the spread and impact of influenza. However, some common concerns about their safety and side effects persist.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot at UArizona?

Annual flu shots are recommended for all UArizona students, faculty and staff. They are especially vital for those at high risk for flu complications, including:

• People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease
• Pregnant women
• Adults aged 65 years or older
• Young children

Getting vaccinated not only protects you as an individual, but also provides herd immunity to help shield vulnerable members of the community.

Are Flu Shots Safe?

Influenza vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. including those offered at UArizona have undergone extensive safety testing and are rigorously monitored. Hundreds of millions of Americans have received flu shots over the past 50 years with an excellent long-term safety record.

Potential Flu Shot Side Effects

Side effects from flu shots are generally minimal:

• Localized soreness/swelling at injection site
• Mild fever
• Headache or muscle aches
• Nausea
• Fatigue

These mild vaccine reactions typically resolve within 48 hours.

Understanding & Preventing Serious Flu Shot Risks

Severe allergic reactions or other complications from U.S. flu shots are very rare but can occasionally occur.

Guillain-Barr Syndrome

There is a small, increased risk of developing Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS). However, the flu itself also increases GBS risk. An estimated 1-2 cases of GBS occur per million people vaccinated.

Egg Allergy Precautions

Flu shots are developed using chicken eggs, so those with severe egg allergies should be either:

• Vaccinated under medical supervision
• Given an egg-free recombinant vaccine.

Mild egg allergy is not a contraindication for vaccination. Inform the person giving you the flu shot if you have any egg allergies so the correct vaccine can be used.

Who Should Not Receive Flu Shots?

Very few people should avoid flu vaccination altogether. Reasons to avoid or delay include:

• History of severe reaction to previous flu shot
• Life-threatening reaction to flu shot ingredients (besides eggs)
• Currently experiencing moderate to severe illness

In these situations, consult your healthcare provider about whether/how vaccination should be recommended.

Where to Get Your Flu Shot at the University of Arizona

Flu shots are available across campus to meet student and employee needs:

Campus Health Pharmacy

The CHS Pharmacy offers walk-in flu shots as well as scheduled appointments for students, faculty and staff. Updated seasonal vaccine doses are available starting in September through the flu season based on CDC recommendations.

Main Clinic Building

Flu shots are available by appointment or walk-in at the main Campus Health building located near the SU Memorial Center. This location is open weekdays.

Campus Pop-Up Clinics

For campus community members convenience, CHS holds temporary flu shot clinics across campus throughout the fall at sites like:

• Student unions
• Residence halls
• Libraries
• Fitness & recreation centers

Stay on the lookout for campus flu shot popup event announcements!

What to Expect When Getting Your UArizona Flu Shot

The flu shot process on campus is quick, easy and low stress. Heres what to expect:

Registration

Provide the medical professional with your basic demographic and insurance details. This helps them document the vaccination properly.

Medical Assessment

Inform them of any relevant medical history, such as:

• Egg, ingredient or vaccine allergies
• Previous vaccine reactions
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding status
• Current illnesses

Vaccine Administration

The flu shot is given quickly via injection into your upper arm muscle. Both flu shot options contain inactivated virus so they cannot give you influenza.

Observation Period

You will be asked to wait for 15-30 minutes after vaccination to watch for potential immediate allergic reactions before leaving.

After Your University of Arizona Flu Shot

Once vaccinated against the flu, there are still some important points to remember:

Immunity Takes Time

It takes up to two weeks after your flu shot for peak antibody levels to develop so youre protected against influenza virus.

Vaccines Arent 100% Effective

Flu vaccines significantly reduce your risk of illness but arent failproof. Optimal effectiveness rates are between 40-60%. Some flu transmission is still possible.

Continue Healthy Habits

Further prevention strategies like hand washing, cough hygiene and staying home when sick are still beneficial even after vaccination.

By staying informed about flu shot availability, effectiveness and potential side effects, UArizona students and employees can make wise healthcare choices for their community.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.