The Edmonton Oilers have teamed up with Rexall Drugstore to offer free flu shots at two of their upcoming home games.
Rexall will be on site at Rogers Place during the Nov. 29 and Dec. 11 games.
Anyone over the age of nine, whether they have a ticket to the game or not, can get their flu shot in Ford Hall beginning at 3 p.m. both days.
READ MORE: What Canadians should expect from the 2016-17 flu season
Vaccinations will also be offered to ticket holders at the Rexall Neighborhood on the main concourse during both games.
“We want our fans to stay healthy and cheer on the Oilers throughout the season and a flu shot is an important way to do that,” Bob Nicholson, CEO of the Oilers Entertainment Group, said.
As of Nov. 19, Alberta Health Services had administered 817,833 doses of the influenza vaccine across Alberta, which is up from this time last year.
However, the number of lab-confirmed cases of the flu has also gone up this year compared to last. So far this year, there have been 279 cases of the flu. Last season, there were 49 cases approximately the same number of days into the province’s flu program.
READ MORE: Alberta flu immunization rates up over this time last year
Last year, the influenza virus hit Albertans later than it did this year.
So far this season, 95 Albertans have been hospitalized with the flu. There have not been any flu-related deaths in Alberta.
Alberta’s flu vaccine campaign kicked off on Oct. 24. Flu clinics are set up throughout the province, with free vaccines available to everyone over the age of six months.
Beyond immunization, the best ways to fight the flu are to cover your nose and mouth when you cough, properly wash your hands with warm water and soap and stay home when you’re sick, according to AHS.
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