With flu season upon us, University of Texas at Arlington public health Professor Denise Hernandez encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
"Getting a flu shot is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community," Dr. Hernandez said. "The best time to get vaccinated is now."
Flu season runs October through May, with activity most often peaking between December and February, although it can start as early as the fall. Health officials recommend getting an annual flu shot by the end of October, as it takes about two weeks to build full immunity.
During the 2024–25 influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the flu vaccination prevented 10 million flu illnesses, 5 million medical visits, 180,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths.
Hernandez ('20 PhD, Public & Urban Administration) took time to discuss vaccine safety and effectiveness, why getting vaccinated matters and other key issues surrounding the flu vaccination.
Why is it important to get the flu shot?
Hernandez: Every year, the flu causes significant illness, hospitalizations, missed work and school days, and in some cases death—especially in certain populations that may be more vulnerable to severe illness such as young children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with chronic health conditions. The flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting sick and, if you do become infected, it lowers the likelihood of severe complications. Even if you are not part of one of the vulnerable groups, you may have a family member or people close to you who are more susceptible to severe illness. By getting the flu shot you are protecting yourself and those around you.
How effective is the flu vaccine and why can effectiveness vary from year to year?
Hernandez: Flu vaccines are developed each year based on the flu strains experts expect to spread most widely. The effectiveness can vary depending on how well the vaccine strains match the viruses that ultimately spread and on other individual factors such as the person's age and immune response. The flu virus is constantly mutating so it is practically impossible to have a vaccine that is 100% effective.
But we should not think of effectiveness as all-or-nothing. The goal isn't just to prevent infection. It's also to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and complications, and the flu vaccine does that very well.
Is getting the flu vaccine safe?
Hernandez: Yes. Flu vaccines have a strong safety record and are carefully monitored. Most side effects are mild and don't last very long, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or a low-grade fever.
Can the flu shot give you the flu?
Hernandez: No, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. The vaccine's job is to help train the immune system to recognize and respond to the virus, which is why you may sometimes have mild side effects. It trains your body, but it does not cause the flu.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Hernandez: The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone age 6 months and older, with only a few exceptions. People with specific medical conditions or a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines should discuss with their healthcare providers.
What is your message to anyone hesitant about getting the flu shot?
Hernandez: As a public health educator, I view vaccination as both a personal health decision and a community responsibility. The more people who are protected, the more resilient our communities become during flu season.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
