1.6 million flu shots ready for Albertans

EDMONTON A total of 1.6 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available to the Alberta public free of charge this year, and Health Minister Sarah Hoffman is hoping the province quickly runs out.

“Obviously we want to use every single dose we have,” she said Monday as the province launched its annual flu immunization campaign.

“All of the projections say we have the right number. Hopefully we run out and we have to order more … because that means we have stronger herd immunity and we are taking care of one another.”

Albertans six months of age and older will be able to receive the free shot starting Oct. 15.

The 1.6 million doses, which cost $12.6 million, are enough to immunize 35 per cent of the population.

Getting to that number will be a challenge, since the province has struggled to crack the 30 per cent mark.

Last season, 1.3 million doses were used on 29 per cent of the population, a slight uptick from the 27 per cent participation the previous year.

The vaccine will be available at Alberta Health Services public health clinics, doctors offices and pharmacies. One change is that pharmacists can now give the shot to children as young as five.