It’s that time of the year when Influenza starts ramping up. With that in mind, the first public flu clinic opened its doors in Lethbridge today. The goal for Alberta Health Services is always the same – to get as many people immunized as possible.
Many families rely on the yearly clinics to maintain their health. Kristina Webber and her family always get their flu shots. Webber believes wholeheartedly, it’s the right thing to do.
“It’s so important to get your flu shot. Just because if you have little ones in the house you don’t want to risk them getting sick in anyway.”
Health officials tout the success of the vaccine. AHS Medical Officer of Health Vivien Suttorp notes 2013’s vaccine was almost perfectly matched to the strains .
“Last year the vaccine for the northern hemisphere was a 99 percent match to what was circulating.”
But much of the public either isn’t buying in, or simply doesn’t care. In 2013 less than 26 per cent of Albertans were immunized against Influenza. That’s a rate AHS would like to see increase substantially. In an attempt to help that effort, the website www.albertafluchamps.ca been launched. The goal is to have people share their reasons for getting immunized and encourage others to do the same. It’s an idea that Suttorp believes will help engage the public.
“It’s to say that, this is important to us and if it’s important to us as champions then hopefully it’s important to individuals. then hopefully we can build champions within the community as well.”
Whether the public chooses the nasal mist immunization, or the old fashioned needle, some people like Kristina Webber will always put safety first.
“Personally i’d rather them get the shot rather then get seriously ill, or die.”
Flu clinics in Lethbridge will be open until December 17th.
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