“Healthy Albertans are productive Albertans.”
This was among the reasons outlined by Mac Ghobrial, Sundre's newest pharmacist, regarding why people should get vaccinated this flu season.
Additionally, the choice between a sore arm versus a couple of weeks in bed — or worse, six feet under — is really not much of a choice. While all demographics are at risk during flu season, the potential peril increases for seniors, young infants and children as well as those coping with immunodeficiency. But it also depends on the patient's overall health, he said.
“Whether you're healthy, you can still become a vector in transporting that virus to somebody who's higher risk just by simply not receiving the vaccine and protecting your health and the health of others.”
The benefits of getting vaccinated far exceed the perceived and unfounded risks. Needles have been designed for maximum possible comfort, and although some patients report a sore arm, that effect does not last much longer than a day and a half, he said.
As far as concerns go regarding the fraudulent claim about vaccines, “it's just scientifically and clinically not proven that there is a link or association between autism and the vaccination.”
Once the vaccine has been administered, patients are briefly observed to ensure there are no signs of allergies or stress — some people get faint because of a fear of needles. However, the pharmacist said the “chances of that are very slim to none.”
During flu season, people are reminded and encouraged to also frequently sanitize their hands as well as to avoid handshakes. Such simple steps reduce a person's chance of contracting the virus. This in turn significantly saves economies from the cost of loss productivity and also ensures a smoother functioning society, he said.
“Society cannot function if people in essential roles are getting sick.”
Sundre's other pharmacies are offering free vaccinations as well. While Pharmasave also has a drop-in service during regular business hours, the Community Drug Mart is accepting appointments and can be reached at 403-638-3922. A flu clinic is also being held on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at the Sundre Legion. Although not required, appointments are available by calling 403-638-4063.
Ghobrial opened the Sundre Family Pharmacy, which is open Monday to Saturday, in August and said expectations to date have been exceeded.
“The team that I work with is very keen and excited about providing the services that we have tasked ourselves to provide from the start.”
The pharmacist enjoys making a positive difference in people's lives as well as being able to pursue a profession that combines health care and business under one roof. Being in a “small, warm community” also “makes a huge difference,” he said.
The 2015 flu season set a new milestone that had not been seen in almost 20 years in the province. There were more than 100 flu-related deaths according to numbers released by Alberta Health Services. In addition to the 103 Albertans who succumbed to lab confirmed influenza that season, there were also 1,874 Albertans hospitalized because of the bug.
“We highly recommend for all Albertans to receive the flu vaccine to reduce the sick days that they'll suffer as well as improve the health of the community,” said Ghobrial.
