Several flu clinics available in coming weeks

By Gillian Slade on October 18, 2017.

Graphic shows overall influenza activity level by province and territory for Sept. 24 to Oct. 7. It was issued by FluWatch, Public Health Agency of Canada. "The percentage of laboratory tests positive for influenza remains higher for this time of year compared to previous seasons."--SUBMITTED IMAGE

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

Influenza immunizations will be available at Alberta Health Services clinics within a week and there is Flu-Lapalooza specifically aimed at young families, with a jumping castle for children, games and dental checks.

On Oct. 24 from 1-6 p.m. immunizations begin at the adult resource fair at the Stampede Grounds Cypress Centre. In the same location the next day, Oct. 25 from 1-6 p.m. Flu Lapalooza takes place followed by a general immunization clinic at Higdon Hall from 1-6 p.m. on Oct. 26. A full list of clinics is printed below.

All Albertans, aged six months and older, are eligible to receive influenza immunization free of charge.

“… a greater number of regions are reporting sporadic (influenza) activity compared to previous seasons,” according to the most recent FluWatch report issued by Public Health Agency of Canada.

Alberta has purchased 1.6 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2017/18 season, enough to immunize 35 per cent of the population at a cost of $12.1 million.

Only one type of influenza vaccine will be offered free of charge — Fluzone — as an injection. The vaccine contains four strains of influenza virus including influenza A Michigan, influenza A Hong Kong, influenza B Brisbane and influenza B Phuket, said Dr. Gerry Predy, senior medical officer of health, AHS.

This season Alberta Health will not offer FluMist the nasal spray previously available for children between the ages of two and 17.

The influenza vaccine FLUAD, designed to boost the immune response in seniors, will not be available except to seniors living in long-term care or supportive living.

Some pharmacists may choose to offer FluMist and/or FLUAD to Albertans for a fee paid by the patient.

In the 2016/17 flu season Alberta Health purchased 1.6 million doses of influenza vaccine at a cost of $12.7 million. About 27 per cent of Albertans received the flu vaccine. There were 64 deaths from lab-confirmed influenza and 1,653 Albertans were admitted to hospital.

From Oct. 23 influenza vaccine will also be offered free of charge, at public health clinics, pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

Though influenza immunization will remain available until March 31, it’s important to get immunized as early in the season as possible, to reduce your risk of illness, advises AHS.

Other immunization clinics scheduled for Medicine Hat are all at Higdon Hall on the Stampede grounds:

Nov. 1, 2-6 p.m., Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 14, 2-6 p.m., Nov. 28, 2-6 p.m., Dec. 20, 2-6 p.m. and Jan. 15, 2-6 p.m.