With flu season fast approaching, Alberta Health Services is asking people to roll up their sleeves and get the annual influenza vaccine.
New this year is a nasal vaccine, called a flu mist, that is only being offered to children between the ages of two and 17.
Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said Albertans should include the influenza vaccine in their fall routine.
“The reason to get it every year is the virus changes every year,” said Talbot. “The protection you had from the vaccine last year isn’t as strong as it will be by getting this year’s edition of the vaccine.”
About 875,000 people in Alberta received the vaccine last year and the hope is to raise that number to one million vaccinations this year. Dr. Gerry Predy, Alberta Health Services senior medical officer of health, said the goal would be to have as many people vaccinated as possible.
Although the immunization program is meant to be universal, Talbot said there is a targeted group of people who are at risk. Those are people who are between the ages of six and 23 months, 65 years and older or have chronic conditions such as heart or lung conditions and diabetes.
This year’s vaccine contains two A strains and one B strain of the influenza virus. Talbot said the A strains are California, which he said is similar to H1N1, and Victoria, and the B strain is Wisconsin.
The vaccine is available at free public clinics throughout Central Alberta, as well as at some pharmacies and physicians starting on Oct. 15.
As for the nasal vaccine, Talbot said there is evidence that it is the most effective way to get immunity up for the younger age group.
“Studies indicate that adult injections are still the most effective at getting the protection.”
Clinics at the Westerner Park Harvest Centre, 4847A 19th St., will be held: Oct. 15 to 18 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 29 and 30 from 1 to 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Clinics at the Holiday Inn, 6500 67th St., will be held: Nov. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 19 and 20, from 1 to 7:30 p.m.
Clinics at the Westerner Park Salon A and B, 4847A 19 St., will be held: Oct. 22 to 24 from 1 to 7:30 p.m.
Clinics at the Red Deer First Christian Reformed Church, 16 McVicar St., will be held on Nov. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Nov. 26 from 1 to 7:30 p.m.
The Clinic at Kentwood Alliance Church, 4 Kennedy Drive, will be held on Oct. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The clinic at the Golden Circle will be held on Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Parking for flu clinics at Westerner Park is free — people just have to say they are there for the influenza vaccine.
For more information on the influenza vaccine and for more clinic times and locations, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca. or call Alberta Health Link at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com