Getting a flu shot often protects you from coming down with influenza, and although it doesn’t provide total protection, it’s still your best defense. It’s recommended for everyone 6 months and older and can save lives by preventing you from getting very ill and protecting people you have contact with. High risk factors from flu complications include persons with cancer and immune compromising conditions, diabetes, heart and lung disease, anemia, obesity, kidney disease, and people 65 and older. You may be a high-risk carrier if you a health care provider, child care provider or caregiver. If you contract influenza, your family members are at risk.
Flu Clinic Registration
A flu shot can potentially save your life by reducing your chances of COVID-19 infection in combination with influenza. By limiting the demands placed on our health care system caused by influenza complications each year, we have more resources to put toward the COVID-19 pandemic.
You need a flu shot every year to be effective as the effectiveness can wear off and the type of flu virus the shot is designed for, changes yearly. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot, and most people have no side effects. In fact, severe reactions are very rare. For the 2020 to 2021 flu season, vaccinations protect against influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B. The flu shot will not immunize you against COVID-19 because they are different viruses. Currently, there is no COVID-19 vaccination shot available, although studies and testing continue worldwide.
Okanagan Influenza Vaccination Clinics
There are numerous places to get a flu shot in the Okanagan, from drug stores to your local doctor’s office. Please call ahead as many locations are prebooking appointments. At this time the Summerland Pharmacy flu clinics have concluded.
Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community for over a century and we continue to serve our community through these unusual times. If you have any questions or need to talk to one of our pharmacists, please call us. If you need a prescription refill, this can often be done over the phone.