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Answering your questions about the flu shot: Verify

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Here are some things to know before you do.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

WCNC's Verify team took to Google to see what people want to know, about this flu season and these are the top searches.  So we took these questions to the experts to verify.

SOURCES

QUESTION 1

Does the flu vaccine actually contain the influenza virus in it?

ANSWER

One actually has a live version of the virus but it is very very weak

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Robinson said the vaccine with a small amount of the virus in it won't give you the flu because there is not enough virus to infect you. The CDC lists six different variations of the flu shot, some that contain the actual virus and others that do not.

   

This is true.

QUESTION 2

Does the flu vaccine work right away?

ANSWER

According to the CDC, your body needs about two weeks after you get the shot for antibodies to develop and provide protection.

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"So in that window, it is possible to get some sort of virus upper raspatory infection or even the flu itself," Robinson said. 

  

This is false.

QUESTION 3

How much is the flu vaccine if you don't have insurance?

ANSWER

Good RX, a company that provides discounts on prescriptions, tells us if you don't have insurance, the cost typically ranges from $25 to $90 out of pocket.

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Those who are 65 and older have the option of having a higher potency and those who are more on the expensive side. However, there are drive-up clinics in Mecklenburg County that offer COVID and flu vaccines for uninsured residents at no cost. Robinson said the best time to get your flu shot is now so you are covered in time for the holidays.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.  

VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.

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