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By Chris Brown

Safe to get both flu and COVID vaccines

Flu vaccination appointments available online and through Health Link

Oct 20, 2021 | 9:56 AM

Flu vaccination appointments are available beginning this week at participating pharmacies and Alberta Health Services public health clinics.

Appointments for the free vaccinations can be booked online at bookvaccine.alberta.ca.

You can also call Health Link at 811 to book an appointment, and participating pharmacies are welcoming drop-ins.

Last year, 37 per cent of Albertans were immunized during flu season, compared to 33 per cent the year before. The 37 per cent was a record and the province had no lab-confirmed influenza cases and no flu-related deaths in the 2020/21 influenza season.

“Let’s do even better than last year when we came forward in record numbers to get our flu vaccine, washed our hands regularly, covered our sneezes and stayed home when we were sick,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw in a news release. “And, if you haven’t already done so, consider also getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This is something each of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our health-care system that we all rely on.”

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Recent studies and reviews have confirmed it is safe for people to get their influenza vaccine at the same time as their COVID-19 vaccine, so there is no need to delay either of the immunizations.

Health Minister Jason Copping said getting immunized has never been more important as it is now.

“Alberta hospitals are at capacity, strained to provide care for very sick people, including those with COVID-19. We must do all that we can to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbours from COVID-19 as well as the flu,” he said. “Getting immunized will help stop the spread of influenza, reduce flu-related visits to the emergency ward and help our health system provide care to those in need.”

This year, Albertans aged 65 years and older can receive a high-dose flu vaccine, while those ages six months to 64 years will receive the regular dose. Both protect people from four common strains of the influenza virus.