New Brunswickers, Are You Getting Your Flu Shot?

That is the question on everyone's mind, especially with the 2015-16 flu season right around the corner.

Though some view flu shots are controversial, pharmacists in New Brunswick are urging residents to get their flu shot, even though last year's vaccine was not as effective as anticipated.

According to the New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association, there was a higher than usual number of hospitalizations from the flu last year, which also saw the biggest flu outbreak in New Brunswick nursing homes in the last 10 years. There were 26 deaths during the 2014-15 flu season in New Brunswick, which saw a total of 1,408 confirmed cases of the illness. Another 407 people were hospitalized, 40 of which wound up in the intensive care unit.

Influenza viruses are seasonal and occur every winter in New Brunswick and across Canada.The best way to prevent the flu is to get the influenza vaccine. Other ways to help protect yourself and others include washing your hands and keeping them away from your eyes and nose, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy.

Flu shots are free for high-risk individuals, including child and seniors, those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.

Will you be getting your flu shot this year?

You can find more information about the flu vaccine at www.gnb.ca/flu.