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<\/p>\nFORT GREENE, Brooklyn (WABC) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani held hands with his one-time political rival, Curtis Sliwa, as they got their flu shots in a Fort Greene, Brooklyn, medical office on Friday.<\/p>\n
“This is not the kind of shots we used to give one another!” Sliwa told the mayor, who soundly defeated his Republican challenger last November.<\/p>\n
“You know he got more votes than me, he’s more popular than me,” Sliwa admitted, rolling up his sleeves. “But you don’t have bigger muscles!”<\/p>\n
Mamdani agreed.<\/p>\n
The mayor got his flu shot to encourage other New Yorkers to do the same as temperatures begin to dip.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Guardian Angel founder is also a self-proclaimed expert on getting shot — actually shot, by bullets. He survived being shot five times in June 1992.<\/p>\n
“I know about getting shot,” he assured the mayor.<\/p>\n
But while the mayor took his flu shot with ease, Sliwa appeared increasingly nervous as the big moment approached.<\/p>\n
“I’m supposed to be a tough guy,” Curtis confided.<\/p>\n
“I can hold your hand,” the mayor offered<\/p>\n
“What happens if I faint?” Sliwa asked.<\/p>\n
“I’ve got you,” Mamdani assured him, grabbing his hand as Sliwa received his flu shot.<\/p>\n
Relieved it was over, the old Sliwa quickly returned.<\/p>\n
“Can I get on the subway with this instead of an OMNY card?” Sliwa asked, holding up his ‘I got my flu shot’ button. “Come on, Mr. Mayor!”<\/p>\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of having to go to the doctor with the flue by up to 60%.<\/p>\n
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