Alberta Health Services launched their annual influenza immunization clinic Monday, this year it’s hoped the number of Albertans rolling up their sleeves will almost double.
On Monday, AHS launched their annual drop-in influenza immunization clinics, making the vaccine available to all Albertans over six-months-old, free of charge.
This year, health officials hope to see a marked increase in the number of Albertans getting the shot, and they have more doses available for distribution.
“We’re going from 1.1 million doses to 2.1 million doses this year, almost double, we believe that we have the capacity,” Dr. James Talbot with AHS said.
Last year, officials said they saw higher numbers over previous years, with 27 percent getting the shot – but it’s hoped this year will see about 45 percent.
“I would encourage every Albertan to make sure they spend the time to go out, get a flu shot, it would be well worth their time,” Health Minister Stephen Mandel said.
Officials are also encouraging more health care workers to get their flu shot – last year, about 60 percent were immunized, this year; officials hope to see 80 percent get the shot.
AHS has posted an immunization clinic schedule on their website, but the shot is also available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
During the last flu season, more than 1,200 people were hospitalized with the flu, and 30 people died.
Officials said influenza has not yet arrived in Alberta, two strains are circulating in the southern hemisphere, including H1N1, and both are included in this year’s vaccine.
With files from Susan Amerongen and Laura Tupper
