5. You don’t need to get a flu shot every year

Similar to other flu shot myths, this one makes people more vulnerable to the influenza virus. In fact, scientists point out that there are many different influenza viruses out there. And every year, the World Health Organization and the CDC perform rigorous testing to see which strains of influenza pose the highest threats globally.

Then, based on their findings, the flu shot formula is updated to help offer the best protection against the strains experts believe will be most common that year. In other words, even if you had your shot a year ago, you’ll need one this year as well.

Plus, the vaccine is effective for one flu season. So even if scientists predicted the same strains would prevail in the next season, another flu shot would still be recommended.