(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

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AHS urging Albertans to get vaccinated against influenza

Oct 25, 2019 | 1:02 PM

Flu season is upon us and Alberta Health Services is recommending, as they do every year, that Albertans take the time to get vaccinated.

Only 31 per cent of Albertans were immunized during the 2018-19 season, a mark AHS hopes to see rise to 35 per cent, which is what they have budgeted for at $12.5 million.

Dr. Mohammed Mosli, Medical Officer of Health for the Central Zone, says there are still myths around flu vaccinations.

“Getting the flu from the flu shot is a misconception. Someone might develop influenza after getting the vaccine, but that could be because they acquired the virus before the vaccine started working, which is not immediate. The body needs some time to develop an immune response,” he explains.

“Number two, like any medical intervention, there’s no such thing as 100 per cent. It is the best way to protect yourself and your loved one against the flu.”

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Mosli adds that it’s too early to say if there any new flu strains to worry about.

On Thursday, AHS held its first immunization clinic of the year at Westerner Park’s Harvest Centre, and it was busy from the get-go. Michelle Prystai, her one-year-old daughter Nora, and mother Cheng, arrived together to receive their vaccinations.

“Growing up, I always got immunized. My mom is a nurse … it’s a good family tradition to carry on and I believe in the health benefits,” she said. “For decades, people have been getting vaccines and I think there’s a really important need for herd immunization. It’s terrifying that there are people still not vaccinating.”

Fifty-two people died from influenza last season, compared to 92 in 2017-18. There were 7,698 cases of lab-confirmed influenza last year, a 19.9 per cent drop from the year prior.

Additional clinics are happening at the Harvest Centre from 12 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, 24 and 26. The Westerner Park Chalet will also host an influenza clinic on Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other Red Deer flu clinics will take place Nov. 2 and 30 at Red Deer First Christian Reformed Church from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 6 and 7 at Kentwood Alliance Church from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and at the Golden Circle Senior Centre on Nov. 5 from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A full listing of central Alberta clinics is here.

Flu vaccinations are also available at most local pharmacies.