Should you get a flu vaccine every year? Doctors say yes, and here's why

Doctors have warned that dismissing influenza as a bad cold keeps many Indians away from annual vaccination. They say these myths are leaving high-risk groups more exposed to severe illness, hospitalisation and death.Doctors warn flu is no coldFor most people in India, influenza or "flu" is often dismissed as nothing more than a seasonal fever or a bad cold that goes away in a few days. Every year, especially during the monsoon and winter months, thousands of people fall sick with influenza, yet very few consider getting vaccinated against it. While vaccines for diseases such as polio, measles, and hepatitis are widely accepted, the annual flu vaccine remains one of the most underutilised vaccines in the country.Doctors say this gap is not because the vaccine is ineffective. Instead, it is driven by poor awareness, misconceptions, and the belief that influenza is not a serious disease. The problem is even more concerning because people who are elderly, pregnant, living with chronic illnesses, or have weakened immunity are at a much higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu.Unlike many childhood vaccines included under the Government's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the influenza vaccine is largely available through private healthcare providers. As a result, many people either do not know that they need it or assume it is optional and unnecessary.Health experts stress that influenza is not just another seasonal infection. Every year, it leads to hospitalisations, complications such as pneumonia, worsening of existing diseases, and even deaths. Fortunately, it is also one of the few respiratory infections that can be prevented with an annual vaccine. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions that continue to prevent Indians from getting vaccinated.MYTH 1: "FLU IS JUST A COMMON COLD"This is perhaps the most widespread misconception. Doctors explain that influenza is caused by a different virus than the common cold and can be much more severe. While healthy adults may recover within a few days, people with existing medical conditions can become seriously ill.The risk is particularly high in people with:DiabetesHigh blood pressureAsthmaHeart diseaseChronic kidney disease (CKD)Chronic liver disease (CLD)HypothyroidismWeak immune systemsPregnant women, young children, and older adults are also more likely to develop complications.Influenza can trigger pneumonia, worsen asthma and heart disease, and may require hospitalisation. In severe cases, it can even become life-threatening.MYTH 2: "THE FLU VACCINE ISN'T REALLY NECESSARY"Many people believe they can simply recover with medicine if they catch the flu.Doctors say prevention is always better than treatment. Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease, and vaccination significantly reduces the chances of severe illness, hospital admission, and death.Experts estimate that nearly 60% of adults who develop flu-related complications in India already have underlying chronic diseases. For these individuals, preventing infection becomes especially important.MYTH 3: "THE FLU VACCINE GIVES YOU THE FLU"This is one of the oldest myths surrounding vaccination.Doctors clarify that the influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza.Some people may experience mild side effects such as:Pain or swelling where the injection was givenMild feverBody acheTiredness for a day or twoThese reactions are temporary and indicate that the body's immune system is responding to the vaccine.MYTH 4: "ONE FLU SHOT IS ENOUGH FOR LIFE"Unlike vaccines for diseases such as measles or polio, the influenza vaccine needs to be taken every year.This is because the influenza virus changes continuously. New strains circulate every season, and the protection provided by the vaccine also decreases over time.To stay protected, doctors recommend getting vaccinated annually with the latest vaccine designed to target the currently circulating strains.MYTH 5: "ONLY CHILDREN AND OLDER PEOPLE NEED THE FLU VACCINE"While children and senior citizens are among the highest-risk groups, doctors say the recommendation is much broader.Annual influenza vaccination is advised for all adults above 18 years of age.It becomes particularly important for:Adults over 50 yearsPregnant womenHealthcare workersPeople with diabetesPatients with hypertensionPeople with asthma or chronic lung diseaseIndividuals with heart diseasePeople with kidney or liver diseaseThose with weakened immunityVaccinating healthy adults also helps reduce the spread of influenza to vulnerable family members.WHY IS THE FLU VACCINE UNDERUSED IN INDIA?According to doctors, several factors contribute to the low uptake.Lack of awareness: Many people simply do not know that an annual flu vaccine is recommended.Limited counselling: Even when doctors are aware of the recommendations, vaccination is not always discussed during routine consultations.Cost: Since the vaccine is not part of the Universal Immunisation Programme, people usually have to pay for it themselves, making many view it as optional.Underestimating influenza: Many people continue to believe that flu is a minor illness that does not require prevention.WHEN SHOULD YOU GET VACCINATED?Doctors recommend taking the influenza vaccine every year before the flu season begins. In most parts of India, the ideal time is April or May, before the onset of the monsoon, when influenza cases typically begin to rise.Getting vaccinated before the virus starts circulating allows the body enough time to build protective immunity.WHICH VACCINE IS RECOMMENDED?Doctors generally recommend the quadrivalent influenza vaccine, which protects against four different influenza virus strains expected to circulate during the season.It is considered safe and effective and is updated regularly to match the changing virus.Influenza is often underestimated, but it can become a serious illness, especially for older adults and people living with chronic health conditions. Doctors say many of the reasons people avoid the flu vaccine are based on myths rather than medical evidence.An annual flu shot cannot eliminate every infection, but it can greatly reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. Experts say protection is particularly important for people with diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and older adults.As awareness grows, doctors hope more Indians will begin to view the flu vaccine not as an optional expense, but as an important part of preventive healthcare.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Jul 27, 2026 18:00 IST