Every year, there seems to be a debate as to whether you should get a flu shot. The answer is yes!
Here are 8 reasons why:
- Do it for your children. The flu is very dangerous for little ones under age 5 – especially those with asthma or diabetes. Every year, thousands of children are hospitalized for influenza and flu complications.
- If you’re over age 65 (or care for someone over age 65), you need it. The vaccine can boost your immune system, which is important for older patients who are at a greater risk for deadly flu complications. It can cause dehydration, worsening of other existing health conditions and pneumonia.
- Save your time off for something fun, not the flu. The flu causes millions of missed work days and school days each year – an estimated $7 billion in productivity lost. And, even if you’re not coughing and sneezing, can you guarantee that the people around you won’t be? The flu vaccine is your best chance to avoid getting sick.
- The flu is most definitely not fun. It can land you flat on your back for up to two weeks. And it has proven to be fatal. According to U.S. News, about 36,000 people die annually and more than 200,000 are hospitalized because of the flu.
- The vaccine is safe. The vaccine is made up of inactivated viruses but they have no ability to infect you. So, it does not “cause” the flu. It shows your body what the flu looks like, so it can fight it. See. Now you’re out of excuses.
- It’s also really important to get a flu shot if you or someone you care for is pregnant, has heart or lung disease, HIV, cancer or a depressed immune system. As WebMD says, “Flu can hit these people hard.”
- You don’t have to wait. Flu season runs from October through May, and tends to peak in January or February. The sooner you get the flu vaccine, the sooner you’re protected.
- YourTown Health makes it easy and affordable. Come into any YourTown Health location to get your immunization shot for just $25. That’s much cheaper than having to take time off work.
YourTown Health is a non-profit network of six community health centers serving the communities of Meriwether, Pike, Lamar, Carroll, Coweta and South Fulton counties for over 35 years. The centers provide access to quality primary care, pediatric care, women’s care, dental care and more, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. The Palmetto location features dentistry, a pharmacy, plus obstetrics and gynecology services, as well as a fully bilingual medical staff. YourTown Health – Your Family. Your Health.
