Visiting Nurse Association aims to educate public about flu shot misconceptions.

With flu shot season beginning on Monday, October 1, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is hoping to encourage more people to get vaccinated by dispelling common myths about flu shots.

The non-profit agency has compiled the following list of common flu shot myths.

"The flu shot made me sick"

The vaccine cannot cause influenza because it does not contain any live viruses. Any after effects from the vaccine aching and/or redness at the injection site, tiredness or a mild fever_are usually mild and last only a day or two. People with severe allergies to eggs or egg products should not receive influenza vaccine, as it is prepared from influenza viruses grown in eggs.

"Only old people and little kids need to get a flu shot"

While some groups are considered high risk, such as children age 6- to 59-months-old and people age 65 and older with chronic health conditions, everyone should be vaccinated. Flu immunizations reduce the chances of getting and spreading the flu. Overall, flu immunizations lead to a healthier community.

"I'll just wash my hands more"

While washing your hands often can reduce your chances of getting the flu, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.

"I'm pregnant so I can't get a shot"

All pregnant women, women planning to be pregnant and breast feeding women should get vaccinated. They are considered high-risk.

"I got one last year so I don't need one this year"

Flu strains usually change from year to year which means you can get the flu more than once during your lifetime. The immunity that is built up from having the flu caused by one virus strain doesn't always provide protection when a new strain is circulating. Also, a vaccine made against flu strains circulating last year may not protect against the current strains, so the vaccine is updated annually to include newly identified strains.

Through December, the Visiting Nurse Association will host public flu shot clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 390 Grant Street in Denver. Fu shots will also be available at all HealthONE locations October 10 through November 10 Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, including additional clinic locations, please call (303) 698-2121 or visit www.vnacolorado.org.