Just had my flu shot in the nurses office in Lautrec this morning.
Here in France those of us of a certain age (over 60) or in high risk groups–like diabetics–get the shot free.
The paperwork comes in the post. I take it to the pharmacist, who supplies the vaccine and then drop by the nurse’s office and she gives me the dreaded jab.
Good system for me.
Our French neighbour, Robert (fellow type-twoer and the same age) was in the pharmacy too today. He told me he never takes up the offer. He’s an independent spirit and looks hail and hearty, so “chacun a son choix” [to each his own]!
My wife, Meredith, chooses to go down a homeopathic route–which has worked for her these past few years.
Madame l’Infirmiere (the nurse) told me that flu was already on the prowl in the district.”Without the jab there’d be an epidemic,” she claimed, as she stuck the needle in my upper arm–doubly demonstrating how good she is at her job–first by distracting me from the shot then by reassuring me I was doing the right thing!
Diabetes Health is giving out this advice to pharmacists:
How Pharmacists Can Help Diabetes Patients During Cold and Flu Season
Patients with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die from flu-related complications. With cold and flu season upon us, be sure to spend extra time advising your patients with diabetes on the importance of keeping up-to-date on their vaccinations, what to do if they do become sick, and how to self-treat with over-the-counter (OTC) medications when needed.
Robin Ellis 