Some Albertans will be able to get free flu shots beginning October 19

Well, we don’t have a COVID-19 vaccine yet, but we at least will be able to protect ourselves from the seasonal flu.

Starting on Monday, October 19, certain people around the province will be able to get their very own (and completely FREE) influenza vaccination just in time for that pesky flu season.

Just last year, approximately 1.43 million doses of the vaccine were administered to Albertans, though that only accounted for 32.8% of the total population of the province.

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Even if you are a fit, healthy, young adult, it is recommended that you get the vaccine anyway because it can help to protect the people that may have weaker immune systems.

Alberta Health Services states that 8,470 lab-confirmed cases of influenza were reported for Alberta last year alone, and 39 people who were hospitalized with the virus died as a result.

Due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus, which has taken the lives of 267 Albertans over the past seven months, influenza immunizations will need to be booked in advance, and will only be offered through AHS to a select age group/demographic.

According to the Alberta Health Services website, influenza immunization will be offered through AHS to children under five and their family or household members, though the vaccine will need to be booked through an online booking tool that will become available as of October 13.

All other Albertans should contact their pharmacist or physician to arrange for their own vaccination.