Toronto’s Free Flu Shot Clinics Open On Monday
Posted October 27, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Excuses, excuses.
When it comes to not getting a flu shot, everyone seems to have one.
It’s that time of year again. No sooner are we out of the West Nile virus woods than the flu rears its sickening head.
But the GTA is ready, with Health Departments all across the region beginning their annual flu shot programs. There are a large number of clinics all over the area and at least one of them near you is at a convenient time.
This year’s vaccine is based on the best guess of experts about which strain of the constantly mutating virus is likely to hit in North America.
And while the jab is quick, relatively pain-free and best off all completely without charge, there are always those who simply refuse to get their shot.
Here are just a few of their reasons, along with the truth from an expert – Dr. Michael Gardam, the chief of infection control at Toronto General Hospital.
“Every time I’ve ever gotten it done I’ve gotten really, really sick afterward,” one vaccine resister complains.
The facts:
“The flu shot is actually chopped-up dead virus. The problem people get is that, when they are getting vaccinated with it, they’re getting vaccinated during flu season and cold season and there’s a very reasonable chance at some point two weeks after their shot they’re going to catch something.”
Next excuse? “You don’t really need to get it, right? Like I have my own antibodies.”
The facts:
“The problem with influenza is it’s constantly mutating virus. That’s why unfortunately we have to vaccinate people every single year.”
And reason number three: “I heard it contains mercury,” one reluctant patient contends.
The facts:
“If the vaccine actually does have mercury in it, it’s less mercury than you would get from eating one can of tuna.”
This year’s shot contains two “A” strains from Australia and a “B” strain from Florida. Why those? “They picked three that they thought were going to be the ones that are going to be prevalent this year,” explains Dr. Gardam.
So bear up your courage and bare your arm. It could be the best skin you’ll show this year.
Here’s where to find the free clinics in your area. They officially open on Monday and run until early in the New Year.
You can also get the vaccine at your doctor’s office.
But the sooner you take the shot, the better off you – and those around you – will be.
