Flu vaccines now available in Alberta

A registered nurse administers a vaccination to a young boy in Mount Vernon, Ohio on May 17, 2019. A provincial court judge in British Columbia says a father of two young boys has the right to ensure his children receive necessary immunizations and dental treatments despite the objections of the children's mother. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP, Paul Vernon

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Starting Oct. 17, Albertans six months of age and older can get their flu vaccine.

Albertans over 65 are eligible to receive a high-dose flu vaccine, while those aged six months to 64 years will receive the regular dose. Both protect people from four common strains of the influenza virus.

“Getting your flu vaccine is an easy way to reduce your risk of getting the flu, help to limit the spread of the virus and reduce your risk of being hospitalized due to influenza.”

Jason Copping, Minister of Health

Booking your immunization appointment

Starting on Oct. 17, influenza vaccines will be available at participating pharmacies, some community medical clinics and select AHS sites.

Bookings will be available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at bookvaccine.alberta.ca or by calling Health Link at 811.

Some pharmacies will also be welcoming walk-ins. If your local pharmacy is not listed in the booking system, contact them directly or visit bluecross.ca to find a pharmacy near you.

Beginning Oct. 17, influenza vaccines will be offered at no cost to:

• Albertans five years of age and older at pharmacies and some community medical clinics.

• Albertans who are six months of age and older at some community medical clinics.

Alberta Health Services will offer vaccines through its public health clinics to:

• Children under five years of age and their family and household members.

• Individuals who do not have a provincial health care number.

• Individuals who live in a community where there are no other immunizing health-care providers.     

Quick facts

• Alberta’s government has ordered 1.9 million doses of influenza vaccine to help protect the health of Albertans.

• Alberta seasonal influenza numbers for 2021–22:

◦ There were 2,906 lab-confirmed cases of influenza and 14 influenza-related deaths.

◦ The provincial immunization rate was 27 per cent.

◦ About 82 per cent of long-term care residents were immunized.

◦ About 52 per cent of children aged six months to 23 months received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine.

◦ About 65 per cent of seniors 65 years and older were immunized.

◦ Pharmacists were responsible for administrating 75 per cent of all influenza immunizations.