INNISFAIL – Flu season has arrived.
“Typically November, December, January are the most intensive months,” said Dr. Digby Horne, medical officer of health for the central zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS). “(Flu season) actually goes all year round, particularly with people travelling and being exposed in different places.”
While several pharmacies, walk-in clinics and doctors' offices do offer flu shots at this time of year, immunization clinics officially opened across the country on Oct. 15.
Innisfail’s first immunization clinic is at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Oct. 25 from 1 to 7 p.m. It is a drop-in clinic, with no pre-booked appointments required.
The flu vaccine takes several months to manufacture, said Horne.
“As soon as it’s ready to go in the fall, then we try and immunize in anticipation of an increased number of cases in the late fall and (at) the end of the year,” he said, adding cases can occur into March and April.
Horne said while the flu vaccine can have some side effects, including serious ones such as anaphylaxis, many people who are immunized experience little to none.
“Common (side effects) are primarily soreness and redness at the injection site, muscle aches, feeling unwell sometimes, and possibly a headache.
“A lot of people get the vaccine and they don’t have any side effects,” he added.
Horne said only 29 per cent of Albertans were vaccinated against influenza last year. AHS is aiming for a 35 per cent immunization rate this year.
“The people most at risk are kids under five, pregnant women, people with chronic disease such as kidney conditions, heart or lung conditions,” he said, noting that while the vaccine is not 100 per cent effective, it is the best option against influenza.
“It’s something that will reduce your chances of becoming sick and possibly spreading it to others,” said Horne.
He said worldwide indications show it may be a quieter influenza season this year.
“They are hoping that, similar to what was seen in the Southern Hemisphere, it’ll be a milder season,” said Horne. “If the trend continues.”
