Flu vaccination clinics open across the province

Alberta Health Services opened free flu vaccination clinics across the province on Monday.

Dozens of Edmontonians including Albertas health minister Stephen Mandel lined up to get their flu shots.

Health officials want to get 45 per cent of Albertans vaccinated this year, almost double the number of people who received their flu shots last year.

In order to meet that goal, AHShas ordered 2.1 million vaccine doses, said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. James Talbot.

What we've done is we increased the number of venues in which Albertans can get the vaccine. We've almost doubled the number of pharmacies [and], Alberta Health Services is handling line ups better than they ever have before, he said.

Dr. Marcia Johnson, medical officer of health for Edmonton, joined Talbot in urging people to get their flu shots now.

Once everyone around you is getting the flu, it's a bit late, she said.

Influenza is coming. It is already here in our communities but circulating at a low level ... The influenza season hasn't started yet but now is the time to protect yourself.

Kavi Chahal chose to skip getting a flu shot last year in order to avoid the long lineups, but was among the first to line up for a shot at Woodcroft Public Health Centre Monday.

There's really no reason people shouldn't be getting the flu shot, he said. Its free, its really accessible so many different locations you can get it at.

AHS is running vaccination clinics in nine Edmonton locations.

• Northgate Health Centre
• Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre
• East Edmonton Public Health Centre
• Mayfield Common
• Millbourne Market Mall
• Northeast Smart Centre
• Westmount Mall
• Seventh Street Plaza
• Riverbend Square

Clinic times are posted here.

Last year, more than 1,000 Albertans were hospitalized due to influenza.