While health officials deal with a massive number of flu cases, that has dwarfed the number of confirmed cases from the year before – Albertans are being reminded the flu shot is still available, in a number of ways.
On Wednesday, provincial health officials went public with staggering statistics – an extremely low number of administered influenza vaccinations, and a crippling number of lab-confirmed flu cases.
The province said only about 11 per cent, or 1 in 9 Edmontonians had received a flu shot so far this season.
Pharmacist Will Leung said he’s not surprised with the latest numbers.
“I think people are pretty passive when it comes to receiving their immunization,” Leung said. “[It’s] not just for protecting themselves, they can pass it on to their neighbour or mom, or their grandma who are more vulnerable.”
In addition, Leung believes there are many who avoid the shot, because they think they’ll get sick from the vaccination.
Leung said an injection of the vaccine contains a ‘killed virus’, while the nasal mist contains a ‘live virus’ – and both versions can produce side effects, that won’t last.
“They’re usually really minor, even if you develop a little fever, chills, or some soreness in the arm if you get the injection for example,” Leung said. “That will go away in a few days anyway, and you’ll be protected for the duration of the flu season.”
Leung said this year’s vaccine is designed to protect those who receive it from the three main strains of influenza that are making the rounds.
Nearly 500 cases of the flu have been lab-confirmed in the Edmonton area so far this flu season, making up nearly half of the almost 1,200 confirmed cases province-wide – at the same time last year, 72 cases had been lab-confirmed in Alberta, with 30 of those in Edmonton.
Health officials said Wednesday the massive number of cases has forced health officials to postpone five elective surgeries, as a direct result of the strain influenza cases are putting on the system.
The flu shot is still available to Albertans at pharmacies, at family doctors and at public health centres.
AHS officials hope many Albertans will decide to get the seasonal flu vaccine.
“We would like to remind Albertans that everyone should get their seasonal flu shot,” AHS Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Sikora said Wednesday.
“It’s the single most effective way to help prevent getting sick from influenza on a yearly basis.”
With files from Veronica Jubinville
