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It’s once again time to get a flu shot

If you are like most people, you buckle your seat belt when you get in a car or truck. After all, with about 33,000 traffic deaths each year in the United States, there’s no sense taking chances.

So – Gotten your flu shot yet?

Why not?

Influenza kills about 24,000 Americans every year.

If you are young and healthy, you may not think you need to be protected against the flu. Those most at risk are the elderly, the very young and those with existing health problems, you reason.

That is true enough. But while you may not need to safeguard your own health through a flu shot, think carefully about those with whom you come in contact. Do you really want to take the chance of passing the flu on to your elderly parents or grandparents? How about friends or co-workers with chronic lung diseases? Or the baby?

One reason some people may have little faith in flu vaccine is what happened last year. It turned out that in developing it, scientists were wrong about what varieties of flu would be prevalent. That happens – but not frequently. This year, public health officials are more confident vaccines will target the most serious flu threats.

Flu vaccine is available widely at this time of year – and affordability is not a concern. Insurance usually covers the cost; those without that can get help at county health departments.

So yes, buckle up on your way to get your flu shot – but be certain to get it.

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