If you hate the flu and long line-ups, you might want to head to Grandin Mall fast — the drop-in flu clinic there closes this Saturday.
Alberta Health Services announced Thursday that it would close its drop-in influenza vaccine clinics in the Edmonton area this Saturday. The nine clinics, which opened Oct. 17, offer Albertans free flu shots without an appointment. St. Albert’s clinic is in Grandin Mall.
About 145,000 people in the Edmonton region have been vaccinated so far this season, said Marcia Johnson, this region’s medical officer of health, or about the same number of people as last year. No statistics for the St. Albert clinic were available.
“We’re still encouraging people to be immunized,” Johnson said. “Influenza is starting to make its appearance in our community, but it hasn’t grabbed hold yet.”
Initial reports suggest that this year’s vaccine should ward off the flu, but that it also takes about 10 to 14 days to kick in. In other words, if you wait until someone in your family starts coughing, it’s probably too late.
Flu shots will be available from doctors, pharmacists and health centres until March, Johnson said, although you may have to make an appointment. Once the drop-in clinics close, they will not re-open until next fall.
Johnson urged anyone with young children, elderly relatives or chronic health conditions to get the vaccine.
The Grandin clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 9 to 4:30 Saturday. Any questions should go to 1-866-408-5465.
