Flu Shot Clinic Today
By 250 News
Monday, November 03, 2008 03:56 AM
Prince George, B.C.- Today marks the first of three days of free flu shots in Prince George.
Today, from noon till 8 tonight, flu shots will be provided free of charge at the Civic Centre to those who are (among others) 65 and older, 6 mos to 23 months, pregnant women who will be in the third trimester during flu season, first responders ( police, firefighters ambulance attendants etc ) health care workers and those who are the primary caregivers to children under 23 months.
Northern Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr, David Bowering says the myths and rumours about flu shots should be trashed “If I thought there was a risk, I certainly wouldn’t have my family get the vaccine. This should be a seasonal must, like putting on the snow tires, it’s just something you do as winter comes on.”
Dr. Bowering says the flu should not be confused with a stomach virus that is making the rounds “The flu is a respiratory illness that will put you in bed for at lest a week.”
The vaccine this year is made to ward off two strains of A strain flu and one of the B strain.
Will getting a shot give you the flu? Dr. Bowering says no “This is a killed virus, so you are no more likely to get the flu from it, than you would get bitten by a dead dog.”
The clinics at the Civic Centre continue tomorrow from 9 am to 8 p.m. and again on the 5th from 9 am to 8 pm.
The vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective. Side effects from the vaccine are very mild, but may include a sore arm, muscle aches, and a low fever.
To find the flu shot clinic in your community, click here.
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Posted by: travism on November 3 2008 10:30 AM