The price is right for flu shots
ALBERTA HAS BEEN OFFERING FREE FLU VACCINATIONS SINCE 2009
When the flu season hits Canada, there’s a different combination of viruses every year.
But when lives are at stake, a southern Alberta physician says, there’s no point debating whether this year’s viruses are worse than a year ago.
“Those predictions are very hard to make,” says Dr. Lena Derie Gillespie, a medical officer of health in the health administration’s South Zone.
“But we know it’s coming, and we know it can be bad.”
That’s why all Albertans over six months of age are offered a free flu shot this fall, as they have since 2009.
Albertans die of the flu every year, she points out.
As a family physician, Gillespie says, she sees how sick some people become after catching the easily spread illness.
“Some of them have longlasting complications.”
With clinics open across the province, Gillespie says she’s pleased at the public response so far.
“I’ve seen families coming in, to make sure their kids are protected.”
But too many are staying away, she admits. Less than 30 per cent of the people across southern Alberta were vaccinated against the flu last year — about the lowest rate in the province.
As more people take that precaution, she points out, the “herd effect” of vaccination helps to protect those who can’t get the shot, for whatever reason.
Seniors may be at greater risk, Gillespie notes — and fortunately, many of them make a point of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Maybe they understand what the stakes are.”
While Alberta Health Services is bringing the vaccine to dozens of communities across the province, Gillespie points out many pharmacies and doctors’ offices are providing it free as well.
“Our partners are helping us with a lot of that.”
And many pharmacies are open seven days a week, she notes, with an injection-qualified professional available during regular hours.
The province is not offering the nasal mist alternative this year, Gillespie adds, but pharmacists may be able to provide it by request.
In Lethbridge, the next AHS clinics will be held Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Exhibition Pavilion. Future dates there will be Nov. 7, 16 and 22, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Travelling clinics are also being held in more than 20 communities across southern Alberta, from the Crowsnest Pass to Medicine Hat. Dates and locations are listed on the Alberta Health Services website.
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