As more than a hundred flu cases have been confirmed throughout Edmonton, Alberta Health Services is reopening immunization clinics over the holidays, to ensure Edmontonians are vaccinated against the flu.
AHS senior medical officer of health Dr. Gerry Predy told CTV News the number of flu cases in Edmonton had risen from 65 on December 14 to 125 as of December 21 – Dr. Predy said there were also concerns surrounding the number of young people coming down with serious cases of influenza.
Predy also confirmed one patient with H1N1 had died – Dr. Predy said most of the 125 cases of the flu in Edmonton are H1N1.
The annual influenza immunization program started October 15, 2013 - clinics were supposed to close from Friday, December 20 to January 6.
However, AHS said flu immunizations will be available at three locations on certain dates over the holidays, in an effort to curb the growing number of cases ahead of the start of school and work in the New Year:
- Bonnie Doon Health Centre (8314 88 Avenue NW) on Friday, December 27 and Friday, January 3, 2014
- Northgate Health Centre (9499 137 Avenue NW) on Friday, December 27, Monday, December 30 and Friday, January 3, 2014
- West Jasper Place Health Centre (9720 182 Street NW) on Monday, December 30
All of the immunization clinics will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on each of the days.
The vaccine is available for anyone aged six-months and older – the clinics are drop-in, and the immunization is free of charge.
Officials are asking anyone looking to get the vaccine to bring their Alberta Health Care card and wear a short-sleeved shirt.
