As cooler weather begins to move in, many people are beginning to consider getting their annual flu shot to help them stay healthy and flu-free all year long. But if you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should get a flu shot this fall, consider these top three reasons why you might want to talk to your pharmacist or other health professional about getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
1. Flu Shots Are Safe
One of the biggest myths surrounding the flu vaccination that healthcare providers often hear is that it’s possible to actually catch the virus from the vaccination. This, however, is not accurate at all. In fact, the flu vaccine is comprised of an inactivated version of the virus that can’t be transmitted.
It is impossible to contract the flu virus from the flu vaccination.
Keep in mind that getting a flu shot decreases your chances of contracting the virus by up to 60 percent, but it is still possible to get the flu even after you’ve been vaccinated (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Studies have shown, however, that the flu vaccination may also lower the severity and duration of the virus should you still get it.
2. Flu Shots Protect You and Those Around You
Even if you are a relatively healthy person with few risk factors, getting the flu shot can not only help to prevent you from getting sick, but it can also decrease the likelihood that you will spread the illness to others who may be more susceptible, such as children, seniors, and pregnant women.
3. Getting a Flu Shot Is Convenient
As the many benefits of yearly flu shots become much more well-known, their convenience continues to increase as well. Pharmacists in all 50 states are now approved to administer flu shots, and a growing number of doctor’s offices and health clinics are also available to provide flu vaccinations.
The Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will be hosting several free flu vaccination clinics at the food bank on September 20th and October 4th, and at Transfiguration Church on October 1st. Flu shots will be provided by a certified pharmacist who will be onsite on those dates. For more information, please feel free to contact us online or by phone at (724) 294-3157.
