CREDIT: SARAH ABUKARSH
Dr. John Rankin (pictured) stressed that getting a flu shot can keep both you and those around you healthy.

While the City of London is growing, the importance of flu shots in the wintertime cannot be overstated, especially with seniors making up half of the city’s population.

Dr. John Rankin, a pharmacist and a pharmacy manager at Shoppers Drug Mart emphasized, “The flu shot is very important this time of year because this is when we see the highest surge of flu in the community.”

It’s not just about keeping yourself healthy; it’s about looking out for others too.


“It’s the only way to dramatically reduce the risk of both catching the flu and having serious complications from it,” Rankin said.

It is crucial, he explained, especially for people at high risk, such as those in long-term care, seniors, infants, and pregnant women.

Rankin stressed the collective responsibility, stating that the more people who get the shot, the better protected the community will be overall.

“The more people in the community that are vaccinated against the flu, the greater protection there is for all those vulnerable people as well.”

Even if you don’t feel you are personally at high risk, getting a flu shot is like a shield and it helps protect not just you but others around you.

“You could be protecting somebody who otherwise can’t be,” Rankin said.

Some Londoners might remember supply worries like with the COVID vaccines, but Rankin explained that is not an issue with flu shots this year.

“There were some supply issues with COVID vaccines temporarily while we waited for the newest doses to come out. But right now, there’s plenty of supply available.”

So, if you’re thinking about getting a flu shot, you should be able to find one without any trouble, at any pharmacy.

The flu shot isn’t just a shot, it’s a shield for the community, especially for seniors and those at higher risk.