Alberta kicks off its influenza vaccination schedule

By Gillian Slade on October 16, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

On the first day of free flu vaccinations this season, Hatters had the choice of pharmacies and physicians on Monday.

At Greg’s Remedy’s Rx there was a fairly steady stream of people arriving for flu shots — no appointment required.

Alberta Health Services commences its flu vaccination clinics in the area on Tuesday.

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.

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 yea,r and vaccines are made based on this.

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.

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.

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.

Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman has encouraged “everyone to get the flu vaccine to protect not only yourself, but others at risk of getting sick”.

The immunization is not only a protection for those getting the shot, it also protects the more vulnerable, said Kristin Klein, deputy medical officer of health, recently.

AHS influenza vaccination clinics in Medicine Hat take place at Higdon Hall, Stampede Grounds:

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.

There is one flu vaccination clinic in Ralston at Ralston School on Nov. 8, 2-6 p.m.

In Bow Island there are two AHS clinics in the Provincial Building — Oct. 15, 1-6 p.m. and Nov. 28, 3-6 p.m.

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