Every year about this time, among the other signs of fall, are those reminders to get a flu shot. Signs pasted on pharmacies, grocery stores, doctor’s offices and more are hard to escape. But for some people (me included) it’s a lot like eating vegetables—I’ll only do it when someone else makes it really easy for me.
For many years I was lucky enough to receive free flu shots right at my workplace. It doesn’t get much easier than that! Last year, though, during the height of the
H1N1 flu pandemic, I was one of those people who procrastinated a little longer than I should have. By the time I went in search of both the seasonal AND H1N1 shots, they were in short supply, and cost me a pretty penny.
This year, however, I am motivated for a different reason. I’m pregnant with triplets (you read that right!) and that puts me in a
high-risk category for getting the flu. Not only do I want to avoid the coughs and sniffles, I don’t want to put my babies at risk for complications if I get sick! So I made sure to stop at my local pharmacy to get the flu shot. Luckily this year, the seasonal flu shot also has the H1N1 vaccine built in to a single dose. Being pregnant, I asked for the
preservative-free version, but the CDC says even the vaccine with preservatives is still safe for pregnant women.
My point is, getting the flu shot not only protects you, but also those you love from getting sick. So what—or should I say, WHO—are your reasons for getting a flu shot this year?
Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter.