Riverside Value Drug Mart intern Jocelyn Turenne provides a flu shot to Darlene Martin. Alberta Health is encouraging Albertans to get immunized early, estimating it takes about two weeks after receiving the influenza immunization to be fully protected.
mailphoto by Michele Scott.

    
    The province’s program to help protect Albertans battle to beat the flu bug began Monday, October 20.
    All the pharmacies in Drumheller appeared to start off the week doing a brisk business in providing the flu vaccinations.
    The province is offering free influenza vaccinations to all Albertans ages six months and older.
    Don’t forget to take your Alberta Health Care Card with you whereever you decide to get vaccinated.
    The Drumheller Health Centre is holding two open clinics, Tuesday, October 21, and Wednesday, October 22, both days from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    Public Health will have the injectible vaccine, as well as the FluMist nasal spray vaccine for those up to age 17.
    The clinics will be held in Conference Room 1 in Community Health, which can be accessed through the Community Education Doors or the hospital’s main entrance. No appointment is necessary.
    Riverside Value Drug Mart has two walk in clinics: Monday October 20 and Wednesday October 22, both days from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    If those clinics times don’t work, phone Riverside at (403) 823-3784 to book an appointment.
    Pat Doyle, Pharmacist with Anderson Drugs at Freson Bros., said they’re already booked past October 24, and welcomes people to call (403) 823-2670 to make an appointment, or stop by the pharmacy.
    Pharmacist Natalie Gincher at Shoppers Drug Mart said no appointment is needed, people are welcome to drop by anytime for their flu shot. Those who prefer to book an appointment can call the pharmacy at (403) 823-5955, ext 33.
    “Canada Health expects an early flu and quite a hit,” said Gincher, “so seniors, children, and people with lowered immunity are recommended to get the shot.”
    Extra Foods pharmacist Ernalyn Salarda also started flu clinics Monday. Shots are available on a drop-in basis daily during pharmacy hours. Those wishing to book an appointment can call the Extra Foods pharmacy at (403) 823-3487 ext 324 or 325.
    WalMart pharmacist Marigold Vera recommends people call ahead to make an appointment if they’d like to receive their flu shot there. The pharmacy will be holding flu clinics October 23 and October 28, all day. Call the pharmacy directly at (403) 820-7741.
    The Acme Community Centre has a vaccination clinic scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    A flu vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Trochu Community Centre for Thursday, October 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again December 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    Check the Alberta Health Service notice on Page A4 for more influenza vaccination clinic dates and locations.
    According to Alberta Health Services, over 1,200 Albertans were hospitalized and thirty died due to influenza during the last flu season.
    For more information, visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza or call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.