Some pharmacists in B-C are warning a difficult flu season could lie ahead — because of potential vaccine delays as well as an early and aggressive start to the flu season in Australia, which is often an indicator of the severity of flu in this country.
Pharmacists are concerned about the latest survey showing 36 per cent of B-C residents don’t plan to get a flu shot this year because they don’t think its effective, necessary or safe, or because they just forget.
“The reality is that the flu shot is safe and it is the most effective tool we have in protecting against the flu, preventing its spread and ultimately it saves lives,” said Gianni Del Negro, Pharmacist at London Drugs.
The survey also found that 77 per cent recognize the importance of getting the flu shot every year to help protect those who are most vulnerable to serious flu illness such as babies, young children and the elderly.
The online study carried out by Insights West in late August surveyed 624 adults in B.C. and has a margin of error plus or minus 3.92 per cent.
with files from Canadian Press
CHEK News
