Flu shot clinics open
Posted Oct 20, 2015 6:50 am.
Last Updated Oct 20, 2015 3:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The province’s annual influenza immunization program kicked off Tuesday, and Alberta Health Services is urging everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Flu shot clinics are opening across the province and the shots are also available at physician offices and pharmacies.
Last year, 1.25 million Albertans got the vaccine and this year there are five strands for different groups.
Dr. Judy MacDonald with AHS said that the goal for health-care workers getting the vaccine this year is 80 per cent.
“Last year, for Alberta Health Services, 64 per cent of our health-care workers were immunized, so we have a way to go. We can always improve on that,” MacDonald told media.
There is no target for the general population, but for seniors the target is 95 per cent, set by the government.
When asked if vaccinations should be mandatory like in some other provinces, MacDonald said that there are benefits, but there would have to be informed consent and it’s ultimately up to lawmakers.
Dr. Vivien Suttorp, an AHS Medical Officer of Health says influenza arrives every fall and chances are you will be exposed.
Last year, 103 people in the province died after contracting the virus, and close to 2,000 were hospitalized.
Alberta Health Services has set up clinics at Brentwood Village Mall, Northgate, the Richmond Road Diagnostic Treatment Centre, and the South Calgary Health Centre.
To find a clinic near you, click here.
