Province gearing up for flu vaccinations
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ALBERTA – Flu season is just around the corner, and the province is helping people protect themselves.
Free influenza immunization clinics begin Oct. 15. They are available to Albertans six months of age or older. This year a single type of injectable four-strain vaccine will be available, called Fluzone or Flulaval Tetra depending on the manufacturer.
Starting this year, pharmacists can administer the shot to people aged five and up. Previously they were limited to nine and up. Pharmacists and some doctors will now also be able to provide the shots to supportive living facility residents and staff.
Last year, Alberta’s immunization rate was 29 per cent, up from 27 per cent the year before. There were 9,609 lab-confirmed cases of influenza and 92 deaths among hospitalized patients.
