The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone ages six months and older get an annual flu shot – yet, fewer than half of Americans received a flu vaccine last flu season. Given the severity of the 2017-2018 flu season – which was the first to be classified as high severity across all age groups – local healthcare professionals at MedExpress Urgent Care in Kansas want to debunk some of the most common flu shot myths that may be preventing many people from getting vaccinated. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect families, friends, and coworkers. In fact, the more people who protect against flu, the less flu in general – which is good for everyone. Flu vaccination can also reduce flu-related illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed days from work and school. Still, there are many misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot. MedExpress healthcare providers can help shed some light with some quick true and false: FALSE: The flu is just a bad cold. I don't need a flu shot. FALSE: The flu shot will give me the flu. FALSE: The flu shot doesn't work and won't offer me any protection. FALSE: It's too late to get the flu shot. TRUE: The flu shot may not completely protect me from getting the flu.