Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect against serious diseases, save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and contribute to community immunity—ensuring healthier populations.
Flu Vaccinations: Protect Yourself and Others
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions each year. A simple flu shot dramatically reduces your risk of infection and serious complications. At Greenwoods Medical Centre Pharmacy, we make it easy to stay protected with convenient, reliable flu vaccinations.
What Is a Flu Vaccination?
The seasonal flu shot contains inactivated influenza strains that trigger your immune system to produce protective antibodies. If you’re later exposed to the virus, these antibodies recognize and fight it—lowering both your chances of illness and its severity.
Why Should You Get Vaccinated?
Protection: The flu shot is the most effective defense, reducing your risk of infection and lessening symptoms if you do fall ill.
Prevent Complications: High-risk groups—children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions—face serious flu complications. Vaccination slashes hospitalization rates.
Herd Immunity: A vaccinated community shields individuals who cannot receive the vaccine, curbing outbreaks and protecting the vulnerable.
Reduced Transmission: Less chance you’ll catch—and pass on—the virus to family, coworkers, and the public.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu shot. It’s especially critical for:
- Young children (6 months–5 years)
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Healthcare workers & caregivers
- Nursing-home or long-term-care residents
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
Get vaccinated before flu season peaks—ideally by late October—to give your body time to build immunity. Missed the early window? It’s still worth getting the shot anytime viruses are circulating, even into winter or spring.
Unsure about timing? Our pharmacists are happy to advise on the best schedule for your situation.
