Flu vaccination clinics will open across the province on October 24 and health officials are encouraging Albertans to get immunized early to protect themselves from this year’s strains.

The vaccine is offered free of charge and is available to anyone six months of age or older.

“We are already seeing cases of influenza in Alberta,” said Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health – Calgary Zone. “You may be healthy now, but without immunization everyone is at risk. Prevention is your only protection.”

The vaccine will be made available at a number of AHS immunization clinics, as well as some pharmacists and physician offices.

Health officials say immunization is the most effective protection against the influenza virus and that the strains change from season to season, so it’s important to be immunized every year.

“Last season, influenza immunization cut Albertans’ risk for influenza in half. That’s great, but last year’s immunization won't protect you this season. You need this season’s immunization to be protected,” said MacDonald. "Though some Albertans are at greater risk of severe complications, no one is immune to its potentially severe impact. Please don't take that risk."

Clinics will be set up in Calgary at the following AHS locations:

  • 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.

Click HERE for more clinics, dates and times

Officials say 62 Albertans died and more than 1600 people in the province were hospitalized with influenza over a six month period last year.

For more information on influenza immunization, click HERE.