Officials with the Alberta Health Services says that influenza is a very real risk in the province and are reminding all residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves against the illness.
Dr. Gerry Predy, the AHS’ Senior Medical Officer of Health, says that influenza activity in communities has changed, and that’s more of a risk.
Dr. Predy says that many areas in the province are reporting outbreak activity.
As of November 15, there are 219 confirmed cases of the disease, including 69 patients who needed to be hospitalized and seven people who’ve died.
There have also been three outbreaks in November alone.
Officials say that nearly one million doses of the vaccine have been distributed this season.
Dr. Predy says that while that is an impressive number, they aren’t where they want to be just yet. “It takes two weeks after being immunized to be fully protected. With the virus already circulating, Albertans need to act now: get immunized to protect yourself and reduce the further spread of disease in our province.”
The flu vaccine is available, free of charge, at AHS immunization clinics, pharmacies, and physician offices throughout the province.
It is recommended to all Albertans aged six months old and older.
For complete AHS influenza immunization clinic schedules, Albertans can visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza or call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.
