With flu season around the corner, health professionals are strongly encouraging Montrealers, regardless of age, to be vaccinated.

An IPSOS Reid poll conducted last spring showed that Quebec has the lowest vaccination rate in Canada, at 27 percent, and the highest rate of influenza cases reported, at 25 percent.

Doctor Alexandra Kossowski is the Medical coordinator for Montreal's health department and says there's no reason not to get the shot.  There's no harm to you, and you'll protect the more vulnerable.  People over 60, pregnant women as well as children from 6 to 23 months and the chronically ill or anyone who lives or works with them.

Kossowski says this year's vaccine is up to date with the World Health Organization strains.

For those still frightened of the needle, most CLSCs have different thicknesses.  They'll figure out what's best for you, to make the process quicker and easier.

The flu vaccination campaign begins November 1st.

Photo:  Margoe Edwards