Albertans reminded to vaccinate against the flu

It's official, flu season has arrived.

Alberta Health Services launched its annual flu program Monday, with the opening of free vaccination clinics across the Edmonton area.

The vaccine is offered, with no charge, to all Albertans six months of age and older at facilities run by AHS.

Even before the launch of the official campaign, the virus had already started making the rounds, bringing unwelcome fevers, chills and stuffy noses to dozens of Albertans.

The province has recorded 54 cases of influenza in the last few weeks.

"We're promoting that everybody get their flu shot," said Ashley Davidson, a pharmacist with Shoppers Drug Mart in St. Albert.

"There are some myths people have that maybe it doesn't apply to them, but I recommend all my patients get the flu shot. And that's not just to protect them, but to protect their community as well."

According to AHS, there were 5,311 lab-confirmed cases of flu last season, between December and May, the highest in five years. More than one-third of those people ended up in hospital, and 62 people died.

People with chronic medical conditions, older people, pregnant women and children are most at risk.

However, those who get immunized see their risk of getting sick reduced by 50 to 70 per cent. 

"It's a quick five-minute appointment," Davidson said.

"You'll get your needle done and your body will mount an immune response," she said, noting that children who would rather not get a needle can opt for a nasal spray. 

"There may be a little fever in the first 24 hours, but that's easily treated and you're going to come out of it in better shape."

To find a clinic near you, search the AHS listings.