Should you Get a Flu Shot?

When it comes to immunization the world or at least the nations seems to be split. Some agree with getting the shot and some do not agree. No matter which side of the fence you are on it is important to know what the options are as well as the consequences for your decisions. In the end you need to do what is right for you and your family. We are getting our flu shots this week and plan on it every year. For us it is the right choice.

The last flu I had was when I was pregnant with our youngest. I was so sick and so dehydrated I needed to be hospitalized.  I had to be on an IV and I was terrified of losing my baby. I would hate for my family or myself to go through this again.

The above infographic was provided by the province of Ontario. Click on it to enlarge.

FACT SHEET: YOUNG CHILDREN AND INFLUENZA
 The greatest number of reported cases of influenza in children are found among those aged 1-4 years (2011-12 flu season)*

 Young children and the elderly account for almost half of all reported flu cases in Ontario (48.6 per cent in 2011-12)*

 Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arlene King, is asking parents to make sure their children get the flu shot – and as early as possible this year.

 The following groups are at greatest risk of complications from influenza:
– young children
– the elderly
– people with weakened immune systems
– pregnant women
– family members and those who provide care to people in the groups listed above should also get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.
 Health care workers should also ensure they receive the flu shot in order to protect themselves from illness as well as to minimize the chances of passing the flu virus on to people in their care.

 The flu shot is available free of charge to all individuals over six months of age who live, work or attend school in Ontario. The flu shot is available through doctors’ offices, various flu clinics facilitated by public health units as well as workplaces which choose to host a clinic for employees.

 For Ontarians five years old and over, flu shots can also be obtained at almost 2,000 pharmacies across Ontario.

 Nearest flu shot locations can be found online through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Flu Shot Locator tool at: ontario.ca/flu.

* SOURCE: Public Health Ontario

Talk to your Doctor or health care provider to make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

Do you get the flu shot? Lets discuss in a civil manner why or why not.