It’s officially flu season.
Alberta Health Services has announced that the annual flu shot is now available throughout the province, with Albertans being encouraged to get immunized to protect both themselves and their at-risk neighbours.
Just last year, approximately 1.43 million free 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 because it can help protect 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 tool that will become available as of October 13.
All other Albertans should contact their pharmacist or physician to arrange for their own free vaccinations.
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