Flu shots start today right across Alberta.
Immunizations against influenza are being offered, free of charge, to all Albertans six months of age or older at hundreds of Alberta Health Services (AHS) public influenza immunization clinics.
Many pharmacist and physician offices will also offer the free shot across the province.
“We have seen cases and outbreaks of influenza already,” Dr. Albert de Villiers, the AHS Medical Officer of Health for the North Zone, said in a news release. “You may be healthy now, but without immunization, everyone is at risk. Prevention is your only protection”
AHS says that the most effective means of protecting against the strains of the flu that circulate each season is immunization.
It adds that the strains of the flu change from season to season.
“Last season, influenza immunization cut Albertans’ risk of influenza by just over 40 percent,” said Dr. de Villiers. “Last year’s immunization won’t protect you this season. You need this season’s immunization to be protected for this season.”
During a six-month period last year, more than 1,600 Albertans were hospitalized with the flu, with 64 Albertans dying of it.
AHS says that influenza causes more emergency department visits than heart attacks and strokes.
To find an influenza immunization clinic near you, visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/influ/, or call Health Link at 811.
– Posted by BET
