City health officials promoted flu vaccinations at Concord Baptist Church of Christ Monday.

"I want all of you to get your flu shot today, and I want you to help us get the word out," said Mary Bassett, New York City's health commissioner.

According to officials, the flu shot is a potentially lifesaving vaccine. That's why the Department of Health is campaigning to get skeptics and non-skeptics alike in the vaccination chair.

Thousands of New Yorkers die from the flu every year, according to Bassett, but some residents fear side effects.

"Am I being used as a guinea pig?" Scottie Leaks, of Crown Heights, once asked, before she eventually became a flu-shot advocate. "Am I being given something that others aren't given? Is this part of a test?"

Now, Leaks is promoting the shots.

"It's very effective," she said Monday. "It works for you. It protects your family."

And the shot takes just a few minutes, according to advocates.

"It wasn't painful -- effortless," said Pastor Samuel Phillips.