It's been one month since Alberta Health Services began offering flu shots for the 2017-2018 influenza season.

"Just under 375,000 doses of Influenza vaccine [have been] given in Calgary Zone since we started our campaign this year," said Dr. Judy MacDonald with AHS. "It's a good start. We still have work to do."

Dr. MacDonald said that Airdrie, which falls in the Calgary Zone, has been receptive to flu shots, with about 3,800 being immunized either through their Public Health Clinics or with children getting the shot as part of their regular immunizations.

So far the numbers for the region are more than the same time last year.

"At that point in time, in Calgary Zone, almost 282,000 doses had been administered," said Dr. MacDonald. "We're ahead in terms of vaccine uptake compared to last year."

The final data from last year's flu season, available on the AHS website, showed a total of 491,931 flu shots administered in the Calgary Zone and over one million throughout Alberta.

Although the numbers are promising for AHS, Dr. MacDonald said there's still a danger in contracting the flu, as there's been 379 cases of Influenza A and 102 cases of Influenza B confirmed in the Calgary Zone.

Several pharmacists that we spoke to in Airdrie said they have seen a great response to the flu vaccine, with many coming in daily. One pharmacist believes the reason for the influx of those wanting flu shots is because patients have seen how bad the flu was in other countries like Australia. Dr. MacDonald said influences like that are helping them this season.

"Anything that reinforces the seriousness of influenza and people taking note of that and taking action to get immunized is a good thing."

Flu shots are still available until the end of March, but Dr. MacDonald encourages you to get the vaccine sooner than later, especially with the Christmas Holidays right around the corner.

 

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