As the weather starts to cool, people are being encouraged to get their flu shots.
Speaking for the Western Region of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dr. Robert Strang says influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization or death for those at higher risk.
Strang says despite what some believe, the shot won’t make you sick.
“Very often people get a flu vaccine and they may have been exposed to a cold or something the day before and then they come down sick and they say, oh that was because of the vaccine. We know that overall the vaccine is effective and it’s very safe.”
He says there will be enough vaccine for those who want it.
“We certainly purchased vaccine for upwards of 40 percent of the population. That’s based on, typically, the percentage that gets immunized. There’s no concerns with vaccine supply from the manufacturer into the province.”
He says children under 5, the elderly, those with chronic illness and pregnant women are at high risk from influenza.
Strang says flu shots are free and are available across the province beginning this week from your health provider as well as some pharmacies.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
