South Side Pharmacist Answers Common Questions About The Flu Shot

Flu season is upon us and many people are still wary of the flu shot. South side pharmacist, David Martinez, said that he is happy to answer questions people may have about the flu shot. Photo Credit: Provided by Walgreens.
Flu season is upon us and many people are still wary of the flu shot. South side pharmacist, David Martinez, said that he is happy to answer questions people may have about the flu shot. Photo Credit: Provided by Walgreens.

South Side Pharmacist Answers Common Questions About The Flu Shot

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

David Martinez, the pharmacy manager at the Walgreens located on 1554 E. 55th St. in Hyde Park, is deeply committed to his job and to serving the community. Martinez said that he is happy to be able to answer questions and provide the flu shot for residents at the south side pharmacy which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CITIZEN: What is the Flu Shot and why should people consider receiving it?

MARTINEZ: The flu shot is a vaccination that protects against various strains of influenza by helping the body produce antibodies that fight the flu virus. It is impossible to predict how severe each flu season will be, which is why the CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older get an annual flu shot.

CITIZEN: What is the most common misconception that prevents people from receiving the flu shot?

MARTINEZ: Perhaps the most common misconception around the flu shot is the notion that it can cause the recipient to contract the flu. In fact, the shot itself is not a live vaccine, so it cannot give a person the flu. We also occasionally hear people say that they don’t need a flu shot because they are healthy when, in reality, the flu shot protects not just the person who gets it, but their friends, families, and everyone they come into contact with, particularly those whose immune systems are more vulnerable, such as young children and older individuals.

CITIZEN: In your experience, what are the most common side effects that people experience?

MARTINEZ: The most common side effect is some soreness at the site of injection, but that is mild compared to the symptoms of influenza, which include fever, body aches, headache, chills, runny nose, and fatigue.

CITIZEN: Is it ever too late in the season to get the Flu Shot?

MARTINEZ: It is recommended that everyone six months and older get a flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available, but it is never too late to get the flu shot. Keep in mind that the vaccine takes up to two weeks to become fully effective, so we encourage everyone to get their flu shot sooner rather than later.

CITIZEN: Does receiving the flu shot mean that you will not get the flu this season?

MARTINEZ: The flu shot covers different strains of influenza, however, it is possible to come into contact with a particular strain not covered by the flu vaccine. It’s important to note, though, that individuals who get the flu vaccination and contract a different strain of the flu virus will likely have less severe symptoms and recover faster than those who did not get the flu shot.

There is no appointment needed to receive a flu shot from the Walgreens located at 1554 E. 55th St. and most insurance plans offer a $0 copay for the immunization, according to Martinez.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.