A phone survey that was done by Prairie Research Associates shows that the flu shot was not very popular to Manitobans this year.
The phone survey showed that only 32% of Manitobans went and got the vaccine, which makes Manitoba third lowest in Canada.
But Medical Officer of Health for Prairie Mountain Health, Jasdeep Atwal says, that over the years they have made it more accessible for people to go and get the vaccine.
"I think the key thing that people forget is you are not only protecting yourself when you get the flu shot, you're protecting an older parent, a grandparent, your neighbor, or young kids, or a pregnant women. But, the more people that get the flu shot the less likely flu is to be in that community."
Atwal also says that they would also like to address myths and misconceptions of the vaccine.
"We have open access for the flu vaccine for all individuals in Manitoba, the flu shot is for free, we have flu shot providers that include physicians, nurses, we have community clinics for flu shots, pharmacists can also provide flu vaccines as well to individuals."
Atwal adds that from the results of the phone survey, the main reason people gave for never getting the vaccine was because they didn't get around to do it, or didn't think it was necessary.
