Four common flu shot myths, and what the Australian Immunisation Handbook says:

- **"The shot gives you the flu."** No: flu vaccines don't cause influenza. See [Can the flu shot give me the flu?](/hc/flusmart/articles/can-the-flu-shot-give-me-the-flu)
- **"Once is enough."** No. See [Do I need a flu shot every year?](/hc/flusmart/articles/do-i-need-a-flu-shot-every-year)
- **"I can't have it while pregnant."** You can. See [Can I have the flu shot if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?](/hc/flusmart/articles/flu-shot-pregnant-or-breastfeeding)
- **"It's too late."** It never is, because influenza can circulate all year. Late in the season, you can still vaccinate.

[Read the full answer](https://corporatecare.com.au/blog/8-myths-flu-vaccine/)

Still stuck? Email flu@corporatecare.com.au.

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*Sources: Australian Immunisation Handbook, last updated 30/09/2026: [do not cause influenza](https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu#:~:text=Influenza%20vaccines%20do%20not%20cause%20influenza.), [recommended every year](https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu#:~:text=are%20recommended%20to%20receive%20influenza%20vaccine%20every%20year), [pregnancy and breastfeeding](https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu#:~:text=Inactivated%20influenza%20vaccine%20is%20safe%20to%20give%20during%20any%20stage%20of%20pregnancy%20or%20while%20breastfeeding%20for%20both%20the%20mother%20and%20her%20baby.), [never too late to vaccinate](https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu#:~:text=It%20is%20never%20too%20late%20to%20vaccinate%2C%20because%20influenza%20can%20circulate%20all%20year.).*