CORNWALL, Ontario – There is always a long to-do list for the holiday season, and getting the flu shot should be close the the top.
Barring any history of allergic reaction, getting the flu shot is a beneficial decision Harry Haramis of Medical Arts Pharmacy explained.
Regardless of being young or old, healthy or sick, getting the flu shot will help reduce the risk of flu in the recipient and the larger community.
Haramis explained that even if someone is young and healthy, they should still get the flu shot for the sake of others.
“It is really to protect your loved ones,” he said. “You could spread the flue to people who are weaker who could die from it.”
The flu shot has been available since late October, and Haramis said that Medical Arts Pharmacy usually stocks the shot until the end of the season, sometimes as late as April.
Haramis recommends getting it as soon as possible because the shot does take two weeks to take full effect.
He also reminds the public that it is not possible to get the flu from the flu shot.
Every year, the flu shot is created to target what is believed to be the prevalent flu strain in circulation. Even if the shot is not the exact match to that strain, it will still offer some protection.
The flu shot is free for anyone with an Ontario health card.
