Flu shot clinics opening

EARLY IMMUNIZATION REDUCES RISK OF ILLNESS

If you start noticing more sick days being taken by your co-workers, there is likely a reason behind it: flu season has arrived. But there is one way to help limit the spread. Alberta’s annual influenza immunization clinics open around the province on Monday, and Alberta Health Services is encouraging residents have ample opportunity to get their flu shot.

All Albertans, aged six months and older, are eligible to receive influenza immunization free of charge.

Though influenza immunization will remain available until March 31, it's important to get immunized as early in the season as possible to reduce your risk of illness, AHS officials say.

The vaccine will be available at hundreds of AHS public influenza immunization clinics in the coming weeks, as well as at many pharmacies and physician offices.

“We have seen cases and outbreaks of influenza already,” said Dr. Lena Derie-Gillespie, South Zone Medical Officer of Health, in a release. “You may be healthy now but, without immunization, everyone is at risk. Prevention is your only protection.”

Dr. Derie-Gillespie says immunization is the most effective means of protecting against the strains of influenza virus circulating each season. Because those strains change from season to season, Albertans are reminded they cannot rely on having been immunized in years past.

“Last season, influenza immunization cut Albertans’ risk for influenza by just more than 40 per cent,” she said. “That’s great, but last year’s immunization won’t protect you this season. You need this season’s immunization to be protected this season.”

During the six-month flu season last year, more than 1,600 Albertans were hospitalized and 64 died with influenza. Influenza causes more emergency department visits than heart attacks and strokes, as well as significant downtime from work and leisure activities, said Dr. DerieGillespie.

“Influenza does not discriminate,” she said. “Though some Albertans are at greater risk of severe complications, no one is naturally immune to influenza. Please don’t take the risk. Influenza can be one less thing we battle this winter. For yourself, and your loved ones, get immunized.”

In addition to regular influenza immunization clinics, AHS will offer influenza immunizations in Lethbridge at a family-friendly Flu-Lapalooza health resource fair on Nov. 1 at Exhibition Park’s Main Pavilion.

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