Influenza vaccination bookings now available online through AHS

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 20, 2021.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Albertans can now book flu shots online through the province’s Vaccine Booking System.

Online influenza immunization bookings opened Oct. 15 with the first appointments available Monday. This date coincided with flu shot eligibility opening to all individuals aged six months and over. Previously, only high-risk individuals were eligible.

In addition to online booking, appointments can be scheduled through a participating local pharmacy, walk-in clinic or doctor’s office.

Children under the age of five must receive their immunization at an Alberta Health Services Clinic. Appointments for them can be made through the online booking system or by calling Health Link at 811.

The flu shot is the first vaccine not related to COVID to be offered on the province’s Vaccine Booking System. If not yet fully immunized, system users can book their flu shot and one dose of COVID vaccination for the same appointment.

In a Friday news release Verna Yiu, president and CEO of Alberta Health Services, encouraged Albertans to book their flu shot even if already vaccinated against COVID.

“By keeping the number of influenza cases low, we can help protect at-risk Albertans and reduce the pressure on our health-care system,” she said “Now more than ever before we need to work together to protect each other and our health-care system.”

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