Flu clinics to open in Calgary on Oct. 20
Province hoping to double the number of people who get vaccinated
The province wants every Albertan to roll up their sleeve this fall for a flu shot.
Health officials are hoping to double the number of people who get the vaccine. Last year 1.2 million Albertans — 27 per cent of the population — got vaccinated.
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Demand for the shots was so high that extra supplies had to be ordered.
Dr. Gerry Predy, Alberta's senior medical officer of health, says the province is well stocked for this flu season, and he said Albertans are well advised to take the flu seriously.
“Despite all the news about various infectious diseases, influenza is still the infectious disease that kills the most Albertans every year and causes the most number of hospitalizations,” he said.
“Even if you are healthy, you should get vaccinated because the odds are you have somebody in your circle of friends and family that does have a higher risk condition. And by getting vaccinated you’re not only protecting yourself, you’re also protecting them.”
The vaccination is free to all Albertans. Clinics open on Oct 20.
There will be four in Calgary:
- Brentwood (3630 Brentwood Rd. N.W.)
- Northgate (495 36th Street N.E.)
- Richmond Road Diagnostic Centre (1820 Richmond Rd. S.W.)
- South Calgary Health Centre (31 Sunpark Plaza S.E.)