Flu shot offers protection beyond your own household, Strathmore pharmacist says

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Getting a flu shot may be a small errand, but Strathmore pharmacist Mike Field says its benefits can reach the people residents spend time with every day.

Field, a pharmacist at Value Drug Mart in Strathmore, said vaccination is a way to help protect both yourself and others who could face more serious illness from influenza.

“It’s about not just protecting yourself, but protecting your community,” he said.

People with chronic health conditions, including heart and lung conditions, are at greater risk of complications, Field said. Older adults, particularly those living in congregate care settings, are also more vulnerable. But anyone can catch the flu.

While vaccination does not prevent every infection, Field said it can make a difference in how sick someone becomes. People who get influenza after being vaccinated typically experience milder symptoms, he said, and are less likely to require hospital care.

For residents looking to get their shot, Value Drug Mart accepts walk-ins. 

“At our store we do walk-ins,” Field said. “We find that it works just as well as appointments.”

The approach gives people flexibility to stop in when they have time, although Field asks customers to be patient when the pharmacy is busy. 

“If you come in and we’re busy, we appreciate your patience, and we will get you done,” he said.

Alberta offers free influenza immunization to people six months and older. Participating pharmacies can administer provincially-funded vaccines to those five and older, while children six months through four years should receive theirs at a public health or community health centre. Families can call Health Link at 811 for booking information.

One concern Field hears is whether the flu shot can cause influenza. 

“The easy answer is, no, it will not give you the flu,” he said.

Some people do experience temporary side effects, including a sore arm, chills or feeling unwell. Those symptoms can be mistaken for influenza, Field explained, but they are not the flu itself.

Alberta’s vaccine information advises that side effects tend to be mild and go away within a few days. People who have questions about managing pain or fever can speak with their health-care provider. 

For Field, the value of vaccination extends to ordinary visits and familiar routines: seeing a loved one, meeting a friend for coffee or sitting down for a game of bridge. Helping reduce the chance of spreading influenza can matter to someone who is more vulnerable to its complications.

“If you’re not willing to do it for yourself, maybe you’re willing to do it for somebody else,” he said.

Residents who have questions about the flu shot are welcome to speak with the pharmacy team before making a decision.

“They can come in person. They can phone in,” Field said. “We’re happy to help where we can.”