Artemenko explains why an inactivated vaccine cannot cause flu

An inactivated influenza vaccine cannot cause flu because it contains viruses that are no longer infectious. RIA Novosti published this explanation from Moscow region Rospotrebnadzor specialist Yevgeny Artemenko on 9 October.

The epidemiological surveillance specialist told 360.ru that the strains used in this type of vaccine cannot cause infection. However, a person can catch another respiratory viral infection while immunity is developing after vaccination.

Artemenko described another possible scenario: the patient was already infected before vaccination but had not yet developed symptoms when the vaccine was administered. Becoming ill after an injection therefore does not, by itself, mean the vaccine caused the illness.

He said a doctor should examine the patient before vaccination and decide whether the vaccine can be administered. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also confirm that flu vaccines do not cause flu, although they can have side effects. This distinction separates an infection from a reaction to vaccination.