Alberta Health Services is launching its annual battle against the flu on Oct. 17.
Influenza immunization is available free of charge to all Albertans six months of age and older.
Red Deer immunization clinics will be held at Westerner Park Harvest Centre in October and Parkland Mall in November.
Alberta Health Services says people at the highest risk for severe illness and complications from influenza are children six to 23 months old, seniors 65 and older, long-term care residents, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and anyone who suffers from a chronic condition.
Alberta Health Services says getting immunized each year reduces people’s chance of getting the flu and helps to avoid transmitting to virus to those at high risk.
Kerry Williamson, AHS spokesperson, said during the 2010-11 immunization campaign, 83,850 doses of flu vaccine were administered in AHS Central Zone, including First Nations, through clinics and other sources.
A total of 832,661 doses were administered to Albertans across the province.
Clinics at Westerner Park Harvest Centre, at 4847A 19th St., will be held:
• Oct. 17 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 20 from 1 to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oct. 25 and 26 from 1 to 8 p.m.
Clinics at Parkland Mall, at 67th Street and Gaetz Avenue, will be held:
• Nov. 2, 3 and 4 from 1 to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Nov. 7, 8, 9 and 10 from 1 to 8 p.m.
l Nov. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 from 1 to 8 p.m.
l Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
l Nov. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 28 from 1 to 8 p.m.
Albertans can find more information on immunization, including clinic schedules, online at www.albertahealthservices.ca, or by calling Health Link Alberta toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
Clinic schedules will be advertised each week in local newspapers beginning the week of Oct. 10.
Immunization will also be available from some pharmacists and physicians in Alberta.