Edmonton immunization clinics close as flu care clinic opens

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services (AHS) says the flu vaccine is no longer available in the Edmonton zone. All influenza immunization clinics in the region closed Friday afternoon and will not be reopening this season, AHS added.

The move comes on the same day AHS opened a flu care clinic in Edmonton.

The clinic, located at 132 Street and 115 Avenue, is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week. It is dedicated to treating people with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms.

“If people aren’t able to manage at home come on by, we’ll see you, we’ll make our best assessment, help you out and, if needed, get you on treatment,” said Dr. Chris Sikora, medical officer of health with AHS.

READ MORE: Telling the difference between cold and flu symptoms

AHS wants to stress it will not be offering flu vaccines at the care clinic.

“We will not be doing swabs here, we will not be doing doctor’s notes and, most importantly, we will not be doing immunizations here,” explained Sikora.

WATCH: Flu care clinic opens in Edmonton

As word of a dwindling vaccine supply spread, hundreds of people lined up outside the Bonnie Doon mass immunization clinic Friday afternoon, hoping to get a last minute shot.

“I didn’t really think there was going to be a shortage on it, that’s for sure,” said Tara Woods, as she stood in line. “I think that’s kind of disappointing. You would think that they would be a little bit better prepared in this circumstance, for something like this.”

“It’s very unfortunate, because I know there’s a lot of people who probably need it quite badly and won’t be able to get it,” added Asha Fritz.

AHS urges everyone to do their best to prevent the spread of the flu by washing their hands, covering their mouths when they sneeze and cough, and staying home if they are sick.

Those who do get sick are asked to visit the care clinic, in hopes of relieving the pressure being felt in hospital emergency rooms.

“We’re seeing probably somewhere between 10 and 20 per cent of individuals present in emergency departments with influenza-like illness and total volumes are up 10 to 20 per cent, which is a significant increase,” Sikora said.

AHS says some doses of the flu vaccine have been reserved for children who have received their first doses and require a second dose. Limited doses have also been reserved to address specific outbreaks in health care centres and continuing care sites, AHS added.

Flu immunization clinics also closed for good in Calgary on Friday.

Follow @CaleyRamsay