Calgarians will be able to get their flu vaccinations starting Monday and doctors say it's the best defence against catching this year's strains of influenza.

Alberta Health Services is offering flu shots to all Albertans, aged six months and older, free of charge.

Flu risk is particularly serious for people who:

  • Have some type of pre-existing health condition
  • Live in a care facility
  • Are 65 years old or older
  • Are under the age of five
  • Are pregnant
  • Are Indigenous

There are two different types of immunization available for Albertans, the regular injection and a nasal spray, and both are effective in protecting against influenza.

Doctors say it's important for people to get this year’s vaccine as last year’s shot won’t necessarily be effective against the strains in 2016-2017.

Last year, 62 Albertans died and more than 1,600 were admitted to hospital for treatment of influenza.

Four main clinics have been set up in Calgary:

  • Brentwood Village Mall - 3630 Brentwood Road N.W.
  • Northgate - A154, 495 36 Street N.E.
  • Richmond Road Diagnostic Treatment Centre - 302, 1820 Richmond Road S.W.
  • South Calgary Health Centre - 31 Sunpark Plaza S.E.

Parents that spoke to CTV News say they are getting the flu shot to ensure their kids are protected against illness.

Sasha Russell says she wants to make sure her kids are safe and don't make others sick while in daycare. "We're here on the first day to get flu shots because our children are in daycare so we want to make sure that when they're in group care that they have a sort of herd immunity and make sure that all the little kids are immunized in their care centre."

Russell says that while she isn't worried about contracting the flu herself, her main concern is her kids because they are among the most at risk of the more severe symptoms.

Officials say that the vaccine isn’t for everyone. You should not get the flu shot if you have an allergy to any of the components of the vaccine or if you’ve had a severe or unusual reaction to the flu shot or any other vaccine.

The nasal spray is not recommended for:

  • Children under the age of two or residents older than 69
  • Pregnant women
  • People who suffer from severe asthma, have a weak immune system or have sickle cell anemia
  • Residents under the age of 17 who are on medication with aspirin in it

According to AHS, more than 12,000 people in Canada are admitted to hospital and 3,500 die from influenza every year.

Other ways to prevent the spread of the virus include:

  • Washing your hands with warm water and soap or use hand santizer
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or a tissue
  • Remain at home if you are exhibiting symptoms

For more information on influenza, you can visit the Alberta Health Services website.

For specific health concerns, you should contact Health Link at 811.