Tis’ the season.
Albertans are being urged to get the flu shot this year and it’s never been easier.
Starting October 21, Flu Clinics began travelling around the province and local pharmacies began administering this year’s flu vaccine.
Riverside Value Drug Mart pharmacist Ray Ainscough, right, administers a flu shot to Wendy Ellingson. Pharmacies throughout Drumheller have been offering the flu shot since October 21 and have had a busy first week. Alberta Health Services will hold flu clinics on November 5, 25, and 26.
“We’ve been going pretty hard since then. We even did a few prior to that for patients considered high risk, like people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma for instance,” said Pat Doyle, pharmacist with Anderson Drugs at Freson Bros IGA.
Alberta Health Services hosted a Flu Clinic last week, but those who missed it can still get the vaccine by heading to one of Drumheller’s pharmacies. Additional Flu Clinics have been scheduled at the Drumheller Health Centre on November 5, 25, and 26.
Those wishing to get the vaccine can receive it in one of two ways; the traditional needle or a nasal spray.
“We like to reserve the spray for the kids. We haven’t had any adults ask for the nasal spray, but it’s there for adults, too,” said Doyle.
The number of Albertans getting immunized has been increasing. It is estimated 920,000 Albertans received the shot last year, an increase of 46,000 over 2011.
“We’re quite happy with the turnout so far. If I had to say, I would say it’s been busier than last year,” said Ray Ainscough, pharmacist with Riverside Value Drug Mart. “Generally, every year we exceed our previous year, though the biggest year was during the H1N1 scare.”
Some of the increase may be due to the widespread availability of the flu shot.
“We have customers who don’t necessarily get many prescriptions, but come for the flu shot. They like the atmosphere, because it’s different doing it at a store, rather than a flu clinic. It’s an added bonus for everyone. It’s a win-win,” said Doyle.
Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to get the shot, which is available at pharmacies throughout Drumheller. Those wishing to get immunized need only bring their Alberta Health Care number. Pharmacies can administer the shot to anyone nine-years-old and over.
“I always say, as a person who’s had the flu, I never miss my flu shot now. I had the flu a few years back and it was five days of pure agony, so I always recommend people to get their shot,” said Ainscough.