Flu immunization clinics have opened for the season.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be administering flu shots at St. Albert Inn and Suites today from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and throughout the coming week.
AHS says getting the shot is the best way to prevent getting the illness. Last year, 92 Albertans died from the virus, with 22 deaths occurring in the Edmonton zone – which includes St. Albert.
“What we really get worried about when it comes to influenza, is there are a notable number of individuals that end up in hospitals as a consequence,” said Jasmine Hasselback, medical officer for AHS Edmonton zone.
There is one potential (but rare) complication: Guillain Barre Syndrome, a paralyzing autoimmune disease, is linked to both the flu and the immunization shot.
When it comes to the likelihood of developing the syndrome, Hasselback said someone is twice as likely to get the syndrome from the flu than from the vaccine. She added about one in a million get the disease.
She said it’s better to focus on staying healthy than worrying about developing the uncommon condition.
Immunization clinics will be at St. Albert Inn and Suites Monday to Thursday from 12:15 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
