There are many myths about the flu shot, and one of those myths is that the flu shot begins protecting you right away.
This is not the case. The flu shot takes 14 days, that’s 2 weeks, to begin effectively protecting you once you have received the shot.
Why isn’t the shot effective immediately?
Well, the shot contains a very weak version of the flu, and your body needs to build a defense to the virus. The building of this defense system, also known as antibodies, takes about two weeks. Once those antibodies are developed in your system, they protect you from the flu strains that were contained in the flu shot. Those strains are always the most common strains for the upcoming flu season.
Remember that in those 14 days, you are still at risk and vulnerable to catching the flu, so make sure to wash your hands, avoid contact with those who are sick, and cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. The delay in protection from the flu is also why it is very important to get vaccinated early, before the flu virus starts spreading around your area and community.
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