CIHR Cafe Scientifique The flu shot: Will you get yours?

Each year, Canadians are faced with the choice of whether or not to get the flu vaccine. Despite being readily available, the vaccine coverage rate remains low. A major factor influencing the decision to be vaccinated is misinformation regarding the safety and efficacy of the flu shot. The aim of the CIHR Cafe Scientifique The flu shot: Will you get yours? is to provide the public with access to basic researchers, clinical researchers, and health care professionals in order to dispel the myths and fears surrounding the influenza vaccine. The Cafe panel is made up of world class researchers as well as medical staff who interact with the public on a daily basis. The first panelist is a CIHR funded virologist and member of the Dalhousie Infectious Disease Research Alliance. The second is the Director of Virology and Immunology in the Division of Microbiology the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and a member of Canadian Pandemic Influenza Lab Preparedness Network who works closely with the third panelist, a Clinical Investigator at the Clinical Trials Research Center and the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology. The fourth panelist is a community health nurse who administers the vaccine to patients. The moderator is a CIHR funded virologist who is also a member of the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology as well as the Dalhousie Infectious Disease Research Alliance. The event is partnered with the Let's Talk Science program at Dalhousie University. This organization fosters science outreach projects in the community with a main focus on youth and parents.