CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Alberta’s top doctor is urging Albertans to roll up their sleeves Monday and get their flu shots this year.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw wants to limit emergency visits and hospitalizations from influenza as the province continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Influenza is not new like COVID-19 but it is very serious,” Hinshaw said.
“The more that we can avoid influenza-related tests, emergency visits, and hospitalizations, the stronger our system will be to support those with COVID-19 and all other health needs.”
Hinshaw says about 8,500 Albertans contracted the flu last winter, resulting in 41 people deaths.
One in three Albertans were immunized for influenza last year, an increase from 2018/19. Hinshaw says the province must do better this year.
“The flu shot won’t prevent COVID-19, but it will reduce your chances of getting sick with influenza and spreading it to others,” she said.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is offering vaccines through pre-booked appointments only to children under five years of age and their family and household members.
Alberta has ordered 1.96 million doses of the influenza vaccine.
