In this program, Schreiver Media Centre journalists head over to the Schreiber Recreational Centre where doctors and nurses are giving out free flu shots to the residents of Schreiber Ontario. We interviewed many people, asking them why they were getting flu shots and why it I was important to them.

Many were concerned about Covid-19 and the rise of infections in the last few months. Nobody wanted to get both Covid-19 and the influenza simultaneously.

The majority of people in Schreiber have already gotten their Covid-19 vaccines. They believed that getting their flu shots would significantly reduce the risk of contracting either or both infections.

According to the healthcare professionals there, it is still possible to contract influenza or Covid when vaccinated, but the severity and duration of symptoms are often milder compared to those who haven't been vaccinated. They say that these shots can help prevent serious complications from these diseases and also reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

According to them, certain groups, such as young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions are more susceptible to these diseases and also to severe complications from them.

As explained, vaccination helps protect vulnerable populations who may be at a higher risk of hospitalization or even death. The flu shot significantly reduces the chances of hospitalization, which in turn helps keep the healthcare system in balance. When Covid-19 was at its peak, hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and couldn’t properly take care of everyone.

In summary the healthcare team made clear that flu shots play a crucial role in preventing illness, protecting vulnerable populations, promoting community immunity, reducing the severity of symptoms, and minimizing the economic and associated healthcare burdens. In short, it seems that  getting vaccinated is a responsible and effective measure to safeguard both the individual and public health.