Options change for Alberta flu vaccinations

By Gillian Slade on October 4, 2018.

Alberta has already been experiencing "sporadic" influenza activity, according to FluWatch by Public Health Agency of Canada for the period Sept. 9-22. Most of those testing positive for influenza were in the 20-64 age category.--SUBMITTED IMAGE

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

Influenza vaccination options have changed a little this year, and Alberta Health Services clinics commence in two weeks.

The vaccine is available free of charge to Albertans six-months of age or older.

Pharmacists are now allowed to provide the flu shot to Albertans more than five years old.

Pharmacists and some physicians will also be able to offer influenza immunization to residents and staff in supportive living facilities.

This flu season Alberta is offering a four-strain injectable influenza vaccine produced by two manufacturers — vaccine names Fluzone and Flulaval Tetra. There are multiple strains of influenza “A” and “B.” The World Health Organization predicts which strains will circulate every year and vaccines are made based on this.

“Getting immunized provides the best protection against influenza,” said Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman. “With seniors, young children and Albertans with compromised immunity especially susceptible, I encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine to protect not only yourself, but others at risk of getting sick.”

A total of 1.6 million doses of flu vaccine have been ordered for the 2018-19 flu season — enough for 35 per cent of the population. The cost is $12.6 million.

Influenza is a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause serious illness and death, particularly in vulnerable groups like seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.

“When people get immunized, they protect not only themselves, but also people around them who may be more vulnerable, such as seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions,” said Kristin Klein, deputy medical officer of health.

Alberta has already been experiencing “sporadic” influenza activity, according to FluWatch by Public Health Agency of Canada for the period Sept. 9-22. Most of those who tested positive for influenza were between the ages of 20-64.

Last flu season 29 per cent of the population received a flu shot, there were 9,609 lab-confirmed cases of influenza and 92 deaths among hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza.

AHS influenza vaccination clinics:

Medicine Hat

Higdon Hall, Stampede Grounds, 2055 21 Avenue SE:

Drop in or make an appointment

Oct. 16, 1-6 p.m.

Oct. 17, 1-6 p.m.

Oct. 24, 1-6 p.m.

Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 14, 2-6 p.m.

Ralston School, 17 Dugway Road, Ralston:

Nov. 8, 2-6 p.m.

Bow Island Provincial Building, 802 6 Street East, Bow Island: