evidence: This may be the most common misperception out there. So, let’s get straight to the point: The flu vaccine CANNOT give you the flu virus. [...] Flu shots are only for unhealthy folks who usually get sick, right? And since you eat smart, workout five days a week and can’t remember the last time you had so much as the sniffles, you’re all good. [...] Getting a flu shot lowers your risk of getting the flu by 40% to 60%, according to the CDC.