Surprise Flu Shots on the Rock and Fox Show

I got a little surprise early this morning on the Rock and Fox Show. Christine took the liberty of inviting the Chief Clinical Officer of Southcoast Health, Dr. Dan Hackner, into the show to talk about the flu shot. She also invited Kelly Houde, RN, who brought enough flu shots for all of us.

One minute you're playing the Jonas Brothers on the air, the next minute there's a needle being stuck in your arm.

I go through this every year.  I want a flu shot, but I'm a big baby when it comes to needles.  Christine's theory was if I didn't have time to think about it in advance, it would cut down on my anxiety levels for the needle.

You know what?  I've got to admit, she was right!  If she had told me about this on Friday, I would have worried about it all weekend long.

"The flu shot has been shown in a 2017 study to reduce the likelihood of death or ICU admission when you get vaccinated...from 2 to 5 fold...up to 70%." --Dr. Dan Hackner, Chief Clinical Offer, Southcoast Health

Now that it's over, I'm glad it happened. I've got some protection from the flu and honestly, it didn't hurt at all. Truly. It was so fast I didn't even know when the needle was out. It had already been done seconds before.

Dr. Hackner told us that this is the ideal time to get a flu shot. They have already seen some cases of the flu come through the doors at Southcoast Health. Also, keep in mind that it takes roughly two weeks for the vaccine to gain maximum protection from the virus. He also dispelled the myth that the flu shot will make you sick.

"You may feel a little sluggish, but the shot will not make you sick," he said.