After a short delay, flu shots are now available in New Brunswick and pharmacists are among those who can administer the vaccine.
Moncton pharmacist Cynthia Ferguson from the Atlantic Superstore Trinity Drive says the flu shot is 70 to 90 percent effective.
The vaccine is especially important for seniors, infants, pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system.
“It also includes people who have heart conditions or diabetes. Sometimes the flu will double or increase the risk of heart attack or stroke while they actually have the flu,” she notes.
Ferguson says it’s only a myth that the flu shot can give you the flu but it does take two weeks to build up resistance.
She says the vaccine is safe and it’s the best defence against getting sick and protecting our loved ones.
Ferguson says Canadians often don’t take the flu seriously but she adds it’s one of the top ten causes of death in the country with an average of 3,500 deaths per year.
