Debunking Myths About Getting The Flu Shot {Plus A Giveaway!}
I often hear people justify not getting a flu shot by saying something like, “I got the shot and STILL got a nasty stomach bug”! The problem with that logic, of course, is that the 24 hour stomach bug that seems to go around each year is not the flu, and neither is the common cold. We definitely hear a lot of different myths when it comes to getting your flu shot and I thought I would take some time to squash a few of them right now!
Myth #1 – The flu vaccine gives you the flu.
FALSE. Flu vaccinations delivered via a needle are either made with an ‘inactivated’ flu virus that’s not infectious or with no flu virus at all.
Myth #2 – You don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year.
FALSE. Almost half of Canadians (46%) say they aren’t concerned about spreading the flu to others, and the same amount say they aren’t getting vaccinated this year. But pharmacists warn Canadians – “Don’t Miss Out!”. In order to best protect yourself from the flu you need to be vaccinated annually and Canadians can drop in to their local Shoppers Drug Mart any time of day no appointment necessary to get vaccinated this season. Furthermore, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone 6 months and older, even when the viruses the vaccine protects against have not changed from the previous season.
Myth #3 – You should wait until the height of flu season to get vaccinated so you’re protected for longer.
FALSE. While it’s never too late to get vaccinated, it’s best to receive your flu shot soon after it’s available, likely October. The antibodies delivered via the flu vaccine that protect you against infection take up to two weeks to take effect, and since the flu peaks between December to February it’s important to get vaccinated early so you don’t miss out on those March break plans!
Myth #4 – Pregnant women need to get consent from their doctor prior to receiving the flu vaccine.
FALSE. There is no recommendation for pregnant women to seek consent from their doctor prior to vaccination. However, there are some people who should seek their doctors’ advice prior to being vaccinated, including those who have a moderate to severe illness and patients with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Those are just a few of the misconceptions associated with the flu shot but there are many more. If you have questions regarding the flu shot, your best course of action is to stop in to your local Shoppers Drug Mart and ask to speak to the pharmacist on duty. They will be able to bust any myths and calm any concerns you might have and give you your flu shot at the same time!.
Shoppers Drug Mart Giveaway!
Alright, for being such great readers and for considering Shoppers Drug Mart for your flu shot needs, I am giving away a Cold & Flu Prize Pack which includes a $100 gift card from Shoppers Drug Mart! This should get you through any sniffles you may come across during flu season and prevent you from having to reuse tissues… This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.
Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in this program, which I am taking part in because I believe in the flu shot.
We have already been to Spain, and we are going hiking on the Appalachian Trail this summer!
Wow, that all sounds very exciting!
great blog
We dont have any plans made yet- but we will be trying to get to the cottage and exploring the surrounding areas as much as possibe. (Kearney ON, Muskoka areas)
I love the Muskoka area!
I would love to have a family vacation, but right now it I think we may have to settle for a few weekend outings. But I remain hopeful who knows. I sure would love to go somewhere warm and relaxing where we could swim and lay on the beach and just have fun together.
No vacations planned
I wish we were having a vacation down south. But can’t afford it this year again, We will probably do day trips in the summer and a night or 2 at the beach.
We get our flu shots every year! Planning a vacation to Vancouver Island this year.
Yes we have a vacation planned…daughter gave birth to our first grand-daughter in France..we are flying to France next month to visit this precious new member of our family and are so excited..first trip abroad and it’s so exciting
We are going to Quebec City this year! Can’t wait to see it and take a break from the every day.
Haven’t planned anything yet, usually we take a family trip later in the year.
This year we are planning a tip to Nova Scotia with the trailer. We want to say on the Canadian Side due to the $$$.
not planning a vacation – I’m a homebody!
We are going to Italy,Greece and Malta in the spring.
Nothing planned so far but we will probably go camping a few times this spring and summer.
We have not yet solidified out holiday plans – maybe a trip to the Rockies.
everyone should get there flu shot, why risk it?
I do get the flu shot, but my husband isn’t allowed to due to MS. I find them beneficial.
We will be vacationing this summer within our beautiful province of Alberta.
We’re going to Hawaii for a wedding on spring break.
We are going camping right on the 1000 islands.
We don’t have anything big planned , but we will do some road trips for sure !
Hopefully to the Caribbean!
Great common sense article!
nothing planned yet but definitely a camping trip this summer.
Sadly this year no vacations for us, hubby is still recovering from surgery and no money to do anything nice this year, hopefully next will be better!!
Nothing planned, but ya never know! I sure would like to get away.
We’re not planning any family vacations this year. We have a little one on the way so we’ll be sticking close to home for now.
No plans for a vacation this year.. fingers crossed for something nice and tropical for 2018!
It’s not a “family” vacation, but I’m going on a yoga retreat to Morocco this spring. 🙂
We are not planning a family vacation this year. Maybe next year.
I think we may do Great Wolf Lodge!
We just got back from Disney World. the ultimate family Vacation!!
SO far the only plans are to go to the annual star party. Son might come visit us, daughter just moved in feb so prob will stay where she is. I get the shot yearly, and so does everyone in our work place. Right now the soar throat/runny nose thing is going around here (hubby got it as well as one person at work who also got it from her husband) Other then that, this is the first time I’ve been sick in years (like in contagion sick, not other stuff, like what I went thru in the summer lol)
We will be going camping in the spring up in Kananaskis 🙂
Haven’t planned anything yet as another grandbaby is due this summer!
Good information on your flu shot article! Unfortunately we have no family vacation plans right now. Maybe as it gets closer to summer we can figure out a small getaway.
Not a family vacation, but I am heading out in three months to see my long-distance boyfriend again.
We haven’t officially planned anything yet, but we are hoping for a family trip to Hawaii this year.
No plans so far other than a visit to spend some time with the family later when the kids are out of school. May a road trip there for a weekend.
no family vacation cannot afford one
We all got our flu shot before we went on our family vacation to Mexico!
I’ll be hitting Vegas, Newfoundland, and somewhere in the Caribbean. Too bad its all in the second half of the year
yes, planning a trip to bermuda this spring!
No family vaca this year, but maybe 2018!
We are planning a get away from the cold trip in the Dominican Republic.
We have on plans right now, but I would like to.
always get flu shot with my 87 year old mother
No plans right now. Maybe a roadtrip in October!
Nothing planned yet, but may start planning it later.
My kids and I always go to my mom’s house out in the country. It’s the best vacation ever. She has 5 acres of land and a big in ground pool. We don’t need anything else.
Yes… Well maybe! Florida was the plan they have great accessibility for anyone dealing with special needs, but it looks like Europe might of just popped into the picture! Tho the affordability of traveling to either of these destinations with the loonie being so low is a huge issue.
We really haven’t started planning yet, but will soon decide.
No, we are not but I would love to go somewhere tropical. Maybe next year!
I have no plans for a vacation this year,but a girl can always dream.
We are planning a vacation this year, not sure where yet but probably somewhere in the Carribean.
No vacation plans as yet.
We get a flu shot every year, and have done so for the last 10+ years. Have yet to get a BAD case of the flu since taking the shots.
We currently do not have any travel plans for this year, but would love to.
At this point it looks like we will be heading for a drive into Alberta
Not planning a vacation
Going to go to Calgary this year
We are going on a trip to Great Wolf Lodge.
We dont have any plans made yet
No vacations planned we did go to NYC a bit back
no plans currently but have been thinking about it.
We’re planning on going to Niagara Falls this summer. There’s so many amazing things to see on Clifton Hill.
yip! We are going to Toronto!! 😀 Thanks!
Heading to Cavendish PEI this summer.
Yes and no. I am going away for a day for business but turning it into a few more days of family time down to the East Coast
Don’t know yet, but hoping somewhere tropical.
Heading to Mazatlan with my Mom next month! So excited!
No plans as yet.
No plans for a family vacation at this point.
I’m [sadly] not planning a family vacation this year
We are planning a family camp.Now that our kids are on their own,we cherish the time we all spend together
No plans for a vacation.
No specific vacation for this year planned yet.
No we can’t afford Family Vacations. Have not been on one in about 9 years.
We don’t have any plans for a family vacation this year. 🙁
My family is planning to go to Niagara Falls this year-in a couple of months.
We would LOVE to go on a family vacation, but money is tight and going anywhere with three kids can be nuts. Hopefully we can save and make it to Mexico or Dominican Republic late this year!
no plans for a vacation
I am planning to take my daughter to Jamaica for her 16th birthday – I have been saving up for and planning for this trip for 4 years!
Not sure where we will go this year. Maybe BC or east to Canada’s wonderland.
can’t afford a vacation
We are going to the UK this year!
We are planning a small vacay to Florida in the spring.
Not really planning a family vacation but still hoping to get out camping for a few days.
Not this year as we just moved into a new home and not a lot of spare cash around.
No vacation this year with a new baby. Maybe next summer:)
This year we are planning a trip home to Nova Scotia in the fall
Planning a vacation to visit family in Montreal this summer 🙂
We are planning a family road trip with our daughter. Mont Tremblant, Quebec City and ending at Chateau Montebello. I better brush up on my French. 😉
we already took our family vacation, we went to vegas to the WFC curling event.
No , we won’t be doing a family vacation this year.
Hoping yo go yp Ottawa to visit a friend and celebrate Canada’s 150th.
We have a trailer so our vacation will be spending the summer camping!
no not really we brought a motorhome so we will try to go camping
No plans this year but taking a couple of weeks at the family cottage this summer.
No plans this year maybe a couple of weekend trips for some camping.
We have our yearly cottage long weekend trip up North in Muskoka every May and then hopefully we will be doing som camping. Maybe next year we will have a nice vacation!
No family vacation this year.
I am not sure we can afford one this year. If we do it will be a road trip and only a couple of days away.
No vacation this year. We got two kittens instead! 🙂
just to toronto, for my sister’s wedding
Haven’t planned anything as of yet. If we go anywhere it will most likely be just to my in laws in Collingwood or Toronto to go to Ripleys Aquarium 🙂
No plans
Sadly, no vacation for us.
Think it will be camping in summer maybe but nothing crazy as of now.
We have no vacation plans. On weekends we just go to city parks for picnics so we can enjoy the outdoors.
Our family all live in eastern Canada, we live in BC and everyone will be vacationing here with us at different times during the year, so we are quite happy about that!
Hoping for a weekend getaway to Vegas and maybe an all inclusive by the end of the year to Jamaica.
I’m not planning any trips because I don’t have the money for it right now.
nope. I don’t have a family
I hope to get away for a vacation this summer,but unsure as to where yet!!
We are going to go to Manitoba this year.
We dont have any plans made yet! We usually do a read trip!
We are just having a stay cation this year! We are visiting relatives in Edmonton.
Husband just lost his job.
Whistler Mountain is a wonderful vacay spot for our family vacay.
We always go to the Rockies Banff and Jasper and stay a few days in Lake Louise but this year since my husband has time we are planning a month on the ocean in Parksville, BC
Yes, sometime in August…just not sure where yet!!!
I follow you on instagram but my account is not working as they are trying to fix it due to hackers from a porn site taking over thousands of accounts!
Thx for the chance
No plans yet but hopefully in the future!
Not this year, but next year we would like to go to Mexico!
no plans yet. thanks
I currently do not have any travel plans for this year.
We are planning a family vacation to Hawaii.
No, we just moved to the west coast, but having grandkids visit from the east
No plans this year for a family vacation.
No, we have no plans this year as of yet for a family vacation. For many years now we take the holiday trailer and head to the Rocky’s and into B.C. But I’m not sure about this year.
We might take a trip to New York City this year.
We are planning on an Alaska Cruise in Aug/sept.
Vegas baby for some adult time!
Yes we are planning a family trip to San Diego, California.
We will be spending 2 weeks in England this summer!
We are hoping to do a family vacation to Mexico or Cuba in November.
Thanks for the opportunity!
We are planning a family vacation to the Rocky Mountains
Nope, not planning a vaction (money is pretty tight). But we did just spend the weekend together, staying home, and just enjoying each other’s company, which felt like a bit of a vacation, especially since Monday is Family Day, and it’s a long weekend.
Yes a few trips planned this year; mostly trips to see our kids, one in Europe and one out West. Have never been out West so will be an adventure!
We’re going to Italy in the fall – can’t wait!
No plans as of it.
No plans yet but this will done during the summer.
Over a year ago, we booked a Disney vacation for this May with our entire family (uncles, grandparents).
Besos Sarah
Nothing big planned for this year, maybe a few days down in the Falls, or Up North, but nothing huge.
My kids are grown but my husband and I are going away for a week
We are probably going to Manitoba to visit family.
we are planning on heading to new brunswick
maybe nest year in 2018.
No plans right now, but I would love to visit the East Coast of Canada in summer!
We would love to take kids to Ottawa, it would be awesome experience.
not this year
It’s another stay-cation year, mostly at the cottage on the river.
We spent a couple weeks doing Disney, Universal and Sea World in late November so our trips this year are going to be pretty local. A couple days in Parksville, BC. A few days in Vernon, BC.
we have no plans for a vacation this year
We don’t have any plans yet.
We do not have plans of any vacations so far because we will be hosting family from abroad instead and show the beauty of Canada.
Going to see my son and his family in Edmonton this summer.
Sorry but doc says I cannot have them.
Sadly, no plans for a trip this year. I would , if I could, visit my brother and his family in NB.
work travelling to MIN!
Yes, we plan to do a family vacation this year. We plan to go see our daughter in a different province than we are located at least twice this year. Now that’s a family vacation!
No away vacations this year but always day trips. We all get our flu shot though…
Planning some vacation trips to the beach, sun, sand and swimming! 🙂
we don’t have anything planned at the moment
We’re hoping to go down to Arizona this year.
We just went to Disney in September so we are just going to Toronto this summer
No family vacays planned as of yet!
We are planning on a european vacation!
We are planning to go to Jamaica when it gets cold again.
Yes, there is a family wedding in Victoria this summer, so we will be flying out! I hope no road trips!!
Absolutely. We feel family vacations are so very important. We spend our winter vacations skiing somewhere, and out summer vacations camping.
I dont have any plans for a summer vacation
No we are not planning a family vacation this year…saving for next year!
Planning a cruise!
No vacation plans yet!
We’re planning a family trip to Mexico! We can’t wait!
No, not sure if we’re travelling this year.
not yet planned
we are planning to go to Ottawa this year
Hoping to head to Curacao in the fall!
We plan on heading this summer to the southernmost tip of Canada – Point Pelee!
Not this year, but we are hoping for a nice vacation in 2018
Yes we’re hoping to go to Ontario this summer!
I am planning a vacation this year. We will be going camping in the summer.
No vacations planned so far but would love to go somewhere
No vacations planned, but definitely some fun staycations will be on the agenda.
We are traveling to Nanaimo to bask in some relaxing seaside glory.
Fully agree with the article. Thanks for spreading this kind of information :). My work requires us to get the flu shot each year, and I think more employers should require the same.
We probably won’t be going anywhere this year, because we are saving for 2018 where we are going to Japan and south east asia!
I am planning a family vacation, camping at rolley lake!
Yes, we are planning a trip to P.E.I. this year.
Yes, we are planning to visit Montreal later this year – in the summer!! Thanks for the opportunity
Looking forward to our family road trips. Making memories is what life is all about! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
We don’t have a family vacation planned for this year because this year we are hosting guests.
Great post. We are going to California this year.
I am going to Mexico this year!
No vacations planned yet 🙁
We won a night at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara and we LOVED it soooo much, we are definitely planning a return trip ASAP.
I am not planning a trip this year. ALTHOUGH! I would love to see the east coast. and the north one too.
This year we are going to my home in Newfoundland
We were planning on going to the Boston area, but we’ve switched to PEI. Too much chaos at the border right now, unfortunately.
No vacation this year…still saving for a house!
dude i am dying for a vacation lol … like i can’t even tell you. I’LL GO ANYWHERE!
HOPING to get to Florida
With 2 busy full-time jobs and 4 kids on the go, it is hard to make any vacation plans.
No family vacation planned. Perhaps a week at our friend’s house in the summer.
I don’t think we’ll be taking a family vacation this year.
No we are not planning one this year.
We don’t have any plans yet but would like to go camping.
We are travelling to Ontario to visit family this summer.
i would love to take a trip back to Disney in Orlando!
No vacation plans yet…
I don’t have any vacations planned for this year yet.
We’re planning to stay near home for our vacations this year. Checking out the local wineries and keeping it simple.
Great article! I am all for getting the flu vaccine! Especially if you work in a clinic setting with people who can get sick from you. These myths drive me crazy! Great way to bring awareness! Crossed fingers for the chance to win the gift card- it will give me a good excuse to go to shoppers since I try to avoid it as I end up over spending hahah
No vacation planned this year. Maybe next year if we can afford it.
No vacation planned yet. Hopefully soon!
Thanks for all the great parenting tips. Love SDM
Unfortunately no family vacation this year. We tend to go every second year.
We’re planning a family trip to Banff.
We are planning a family trip to Disney World in Florida this April!
No plans for a family vacation this year, but we will spend quite a bit of the summer up at our trailer.
Yes, we are going on a family cruise, 13 of us in total!
No more trips planned. Have lost the desire and the energy to travel anymore.
No big plans for this year but we do plan on taking a weekend getaway to Toronto this summer!
We haven’t planned any trips yet this year.
Nothing planned yet hopefully a visit to the east coast will materialize soon.
We are planning to go to the Galapagos Islands!
We actually don’t have a vacation planned this year, but soon hopefully!
no plans for a vacation this year
Yes we will go camping at the lake. We have been going for over 20 years!
Normally my travel companions include my daughter, and my sister and her daughter. However with both girls in college my sister and I took a trip to the Dominican Republic. While I was there, my daughter booked a trip with a classmate to Honduras. And she’ll be doing co-op during the summer, so no, we won’t be taking a family vacation this year.
No big plans yet. It might be a local trip this year
We have a big family trip coming up to England 🙂
Not sure yet but a last minute cottage rental is always a possibility in the summer.
We’re planning a trip to Montreal for the big 375th celebrations.
Yep, we have a planned family vacation. We normally go to California every year, but that has been cancelled due to the new Administration in the US; we won’t be supporting those crazies with a single tourism dime of our own money. Instead we are going to Spain. It will be nice!
I knew a lot of this but I still am unsure on whether or not the vaccination does much of anything for me personally. I seem to get sick either way – with or without it. 🙁 No vacations planned for me.
I’m taking my soon to be two year daughter to Disneyland by myself! I’m a bit nervous about the plane ride, hahah.
No not planning a vacation this year
Always get a flu shot. No vacation plans for this winter but looking forward to getting out to the cottage this spring.
Haven’t thought about going anywhere yet this year.
Vacation to see some of our National Parks
Unfortunately, no family vacation for us this year 🙁
i really want to go somewhere but we are expecting a baby in july so we will just hang out here this year.
Nothing planned yet
Yes. To Kelowna.
We are going to visit Ontario Landmarks, e.g. CN tower, Ripley’s Aquarium. What a beautiful province!
Yes – to Europe
Probably next year.
My boyfriend and I are hopefully going on a road trip to California 🙂
yes to a fishing camp up in Northern ontario
We are hoping to take a family trip to Jamaica as its our 10 year wedding anniversary this year
Going to a family wedding in a Caribbean destination
No vacations planned for us, we’ve got a baby coming in June so we don’t have the money or time for one this year 🙂
I so need a family vacation – unfortunately not in the budget for this year.
Each summer we travel to the other side of Ontario.
No, not enough money for that.
Not this year unless we win a free trip. Saving up money to go to Paris next year.
I wish because I have NEVER gone on a vacation!!
Can barely afford rent & bills…being a single parent is HARD!
Nothing planned yet….but hopefully!
Yes we are going to Ireland this summer.
None planned for me but I have one planned for my mom for her bday 🙂
We don’t have one planned right now, but who knows!
We are planning a trip to Costa Rica
Hopefully one to our cabin in Ontario and a road trip to BC
While some may not consider it a vacation, we will be going camping this summer.
My dad and I are going to Manitoba in May to visit my new nephew! 🙂
We are all planning to travel together this summer … destination unknown.
im not planning a vacation this year, perhaps next year to Asia.
No plans for this year perhaps next year
We’re planning a camping trip to the BC interior!
East coast in 2018
My husband and I are planning on going to Quebec City!
Would love to go to Japan
but probably as far as I go this year would be Quebec city for a mini holiday.
Not a “family vacation” so much as a “Mom and Dad vacation” – my partner and I are going to Toronto for Fan Expo for the first time since before we had kids (6 years ago). 🙂
No vacation, but we are going on a road trip across the province to the children’s hospital next week.
We may go to Florida in April just to catch some rays and get away for a short vacay
No vacation plans yet this year
We are heading to Ontario this summer for a mini family vacation!
yes to mexico
We don’t really have any plans yet. We can’t seem to decide on a location or where we get the funds to go. Might be more of a staycation. Maybe a local grotto.
off to Arizona
I plan on going to see my niece’s graduation in South Carolina in May
We are planning on going to see relatives of my husband’s sister-in-law in Scotland in July. We are looking forward to experiencing their culture and sightseeing
Vacation no feasible this year – However a weekend excursion to Banff would rejuvenate my famiy of 3.
We are heading to Paris in a few months!
planning to go to Europe for my honeymoon in September!
going to italy!