Results of a recent online survey indicate many Albertans hold misconceptions about the influenza vaccine – beliefs which are often keeping them from protecting themselves against the virus or doing their part to prevent its spread, according to a Sept. 23 press release from London Drugs.
“Nobody wants to get sick, and we also don’t want to affect anybody else’s productivity or health in a negative way,” said Roy Trim, pharmacy manager with London Drugs in Airdrie. “And we do it to protect the people that aren’t able to get out and actually get the shot.”
The influenza vaccine is formulated each year by the World Health Organization using data collected from global influenza outbreaks, Trim said, and is based on four strains of influenza virus. According to the press release, the vaccine helps prevent hospitalizations and saves lives.
However, the study conducted by Insights West in August, among a representative sample of more than 600 Albertan adults, revealed that four in 10 (37 per cent) of Albertans won’t be getting the shot this year – citing common misconceptions as the reason why.
“The number one thing we tend to hear from people is that they never get sick, and because of that, they have no compelling reason to get this shot,” Trim said. “It’s hard to argue with that sort of mentality…but they need to understand that just because not a lot of people get it doesn’t mean it’s not a serious issue.”
That response accounts for approximately 34 per cent of survey respondents, according to the press release, with other excuses including the belief the vaccine is ineffective or that it only works for previous strains of the virus (31 per cent) or that it can have negative side effects (21 per cent). One in five Albertans (21 per cent) say they either forget about the shot entirely or just “don’t get around to it.”
But like other vaccines, Trim said, the flu shot helps contribute to herd immunity – the idea that by preventing healthy people from contracting the virus, more vulnerable populations will be protected, too. The higher the rate of vaccination, the greater the protection for those who are unable to receive the flu shot, themselves.
“The populations that come to mind here are some of our senior citizens, some of our really, really young folks, and those with certain medical conditions,” he said.
The results of the survey indicated that eight in 10 Albertans (78 per cent) do recognize the importance of getting the flu shot to protect those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, and around six per cent of respondents who have never had a flu shot before said they plan to get one this year. Almost all (99 per cent) of those who were vaccinated last year will be doing so again this year.
This year’s vaccine will be available starting Oct. 21 at all Alberta pharmacies, according to Trim, to anyone with an Alberta Health Care number. Those without can contact 811.
“If you’re looking at getting it done prior, just reach out to your nearest pharmacy and see if they have private stock available and you can arrange to have that done,” he said.
According to the press release, last year’s vaccine provided “good protection against circulating strains,” which helps to combat skepticism. However, pharmacists are anticipating a difficult flu season this year due to “potential vaccine delays” combined with the early start and large number of flu cases reported in Australia, which often indicates the severity of the season in Canada.
“If we’re talking about keeping each other healthy, keeping our families healthy and keeping those people who make up that vulnerable population healthy, the best thing that we can do is get flu shots for the fall and winter,” Trim said.
