Fall is Flu Shot Season

October 2, 2020

It’s never been more important to get your flu shot!

Southern Chiefs’ Organization is encouraging everyone to get their free flu shot this year. First Nation people are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality during a pandemic like COVID-19. With the flu season approaching, it’s up to all of us to do our part to prevent the spread of ALL illnesses, and to help protect everyone around us.

Best way to protect against the flu? Get the flu shot!

Consult your local health centre or pharmacy for information on how to get a flu shot.

Where can I get my flu shot?

Still unsure where to go?  Contact Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.

Check out these resources: 
Where can I get my flu vaccine?
Flu Shot Fact Sheet (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Myths and Facts on the Flu Shot

Myth: I am relatively young and healthy – I don’t need to get the flu shot.

Fact: We are all at risk of getting the flu, and we all need to work together to prevent the spread of all types of illnesses during a pandemic. Getting vaccinated helps prevent the spread of the flu, which in turn helps protect everyone around you!


Myth: The flu shot’s side effects are riskier than just having the flu.

Fact: The flu shot is safe. According to the First Nations Health Authority, Indigenous people are not at higher risk of experiencing sides effects from the flu shot. However, First Nation people are at a higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization and mortality during a pandemic like COVID-19. Some people may experience minor side effects after getting the flu shot, such as redness, swelling, soreness, and occasionally fever and aches. The flu shot’s side effects are usually much less severe than getting the flu, and they typically don’t last as long.


Myth: I got the flu shot last year so I don’t need to get it again this year.

Fact: There are many different strains of the flu and they change each year. Every year, a new flu shot is made to protect against the viruses being spread during that particular flu season. Also, the protection that the flu shot gives you decreases over time. Getting the flu shot every year is the best way to stay protected against the flu, and to prevent its spread!


Myth: I can get the flu from the flu shot.

Fact: The viruses in the flu shot are not live and they cannot give you the flu. Although some people may experience minor side effects such as soreness, swelling, fever, and aches, they are caused by a normal reaction from the immune system. They are typically less severe and don’t last as long as flu symptoms.