Photo 205885660 © Gabriel Petrescu | Dreamstime.com

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Beginning Monday

Flu vaccine available in Alberta next week

Oct 14, 2022 | 9:02 AM

Starting Oct. 17, Albertans six months of age and older can get their flu vaccine.

Provincial officials say Albertans over 65 are eligible to receive a high-dose flu vaccine, while those aged six months to 64 years will receive the regular dose. Both are said to protect people from four common strains of the influenza virus.

“Getting your flu vaccine is an easy way to reduce your risk of getting the flu, help to limit the spread of the virus and reduce your risk of being hospitalized due to influenza,” said Jason Copping, minister of health, in a press release Thursday.

Starting on Oct. 17, the province says influenza vaccines will be available at participating pharmacies, some community medical clinics and select AHS sites.

Bookings will be available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at bookvaccine.alberta.ca or by calling Health Link at 811.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

18h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

Some pharmacies will also be welcoming walk-ins. If your local pharmacy is not listed in the booking system, you’re encouraged to contact them directly or visit bluecross.ca to find a pharmacy near you.

Also beginning Oct. 17, influenza vaccines will be offered at no cost to:

• Albertans five years of age and older at pharmacies and some community medical clinics.
• Albertans who are six months of age and older at some community medical clinics.
• Alberta Health Services will offer vaccines through its public health clinics to:
• Children under five years of age and their family and household members.
• Individuals who do not have a provincial health care number.
• Individuals who live in a community where there are no other immunizing health-care providers.

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta’s government has ordered 1.9 million doses of influenza vaccine to help protect the health of Albertans.
• Alberta seasonal influenza numbers for 2021–22:
• There were 2,906 lab-confirmed cases of influenza and 14 influenza-related deaths.
• The provincial immunization rate was 27 per cent.
• About 82 per cent of long-term care residents were immunized.
• About 52 per cent of children aged six months to 23 months received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine.
• About 65 per cent of seniors 65 years and older were immunized.
• Pharmacists were responsible for administrating 75 per cent of all influenza immunizations.