Dr. Oz: 3 Reasons People Don't Get Flu Shots, And Why They Should

Article and video by Pam DeFiglio, Patch.com

People formed a long line to pose for photos with Dr. Mehmet Oz Tuesday morning when he came to Advocate Health Care's Nesset Pavilion on Ballard Road in Park Ridge.

Oz made the trip from New York to encourage people to get a flu shot this season, and a couple dozen healthcare workers stood at tables nearby to administer flu shots. Advocate provided 1,000 shots for free.

"We teach the flu shot on our show," said Tim Sullivan, director of publicity for Fox's The Dr.Oz Show, as the doctor stood nearby greeting people. "Usually, when we partner with an affiliate, we try to partner with the community."

Stephanie Johnson, director of public relations at Advocate, said Oz's charisma was what drew people out to the event. 

"He has an infectious personality," she said. "And he's humble. He shook everyone's hand today, and he took as many photos as people wanted to take."

After more than two hours of greeting people, Oz said he didn't mind it at all. 

"People are usually happy at these events," he said, saying one woman had told him she had come because she didn't want to transmit the flu to her young grandson, and displaying a picture a child had drawn for him.

Oz said there are three reasons why some people don't get the flu shot. Watch the video featured with this story to find out what they are and hear his recommendations.

Terrin Lee of Tinley Park, a nursing assistant for Advocate, came to the event on her day off, saying she watches The Dr. Oz Show. 

And Victoria Stupnitska, a college student from Crystal Lake, said she came for both the flu shot and to see Dr. Oz, who took a break to do a radio interview when she arrived at about 11 a.m.

"Unfortunately, I won't get to meet him because I have to go to a class," she said.

Oz returned to the event area a while later and continued greeting people and posing for photos. 


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