Cold and flu season are nearly upon us in Alberta, and health officials are encouraging everyone to get their shot to protect themselves and others from getting sick.
The program, which opens on October 20, makes the vaccine available, free of charge, to all residents of Alberta aged six months and older.
The shots are available at all Alberta Health Services immunization clinics as well as pharmacist and physician offices around the province.
Officials say there is always a risk to catch the flu every year.
“Influenza arrives every fall, and chances are you will be exposed,” says Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health, Calgary Zone, in a release. “You may be healthy now but keep in mind: good health isn’t contagious. Influenza is. To protect your health, get immunized.”
The AHS says that vaccination is the best way to protect you against the strains of influenza expected this season.
According to data from last year, 1,870 Albertans were hospitalized because of the flu, and 103 of those succumbed to their symptoms.
For more information on the vaccine, including a list of locations of upcoming clinics, you can visit the AHS website or call Health Link at 811.
