It appears Albertans are getting in line for influenza vaccines this year.
Before flu season comes flu vaccine season and Alberta Health Services has been operating influenza clinics in the central region since Mid-October.
According to Aric Johnson, executive director of communications for Alberta Health Services Central Zone, as of November 3, 306,038 doses of influenza vaccine have been administered across the province, and 34,354 have been delivered in the central region, which includes Drumheller.
He said it is important to note these numbers don’t include doses administered by physicians during in-office visits, or doses given by pharmacists. These are reported in December and in March.
“Partner providers deliver a significant portion of our doses each year, and more so this year than ever. We know we have more than 150 new (additional) partner providers immunizing Albertans this year than we did last year, and we expect to see that the doses being delivered by these partners makes up for the current difference in doses being delivered by AHS Public Health so far this year,” said Johnson.
Pat Doyle of Medicine Shoppe at Freson Bros IGA said he has seen his numbers double over last year. So far he estimates he has delivered about 250 vaccines this season.
Ray Ainscough at Riverside Value Drug Mart also says his number has increased, however he still feels the overall number are down from last year. He said there has not been as much awareness as last year. Despite that his clinics have been busy.
Arson Gincher of Shoppers Drug Mart says his numbers are also way up, and many people enjoy the convenience of getting the shots at their local pharmacist. He says typically customers can get the shot anytime during pharmacy hours.
This year Alberta Health Services has approved the use a vaccine delivered nasally. Alberta Health Services will deliver the vaccine for youngsters who are adverse to needles, from 2 to 17. Ainscough at Riverside value Drug Mart and Gincher from Shoppers Drug Mart also say they are able to administer the nasal vaccine for youngsters starting at age 9.
Pharmacies at Wal-mart and ExtraFoods are also holding flu clinics. Watch The Drumheller Mail for Alberta Health Services flu clinic schedules.
