Some Calgarians are questioning why Edmonton has more flu vaccination clinics, when Calgary has more cases of the flu.
There are two flu clinics in Calgary, one at the South Calgary Health Centre, and the other at Brentwood Village Mall, where people were waiting in line for a shot on Tuesday for as long as three hours.
In comparison, there are nine clinic locations in Edmonton, three of which were open on Tuesday.
READ MORE: More flu vaccine arrives in Alberta to ease shortage
The Edmonton clinics also offer extended hours with some open until 8 p.m., to make it more convenient for people to get their shot. Calgary clinics have been operating on the standard hours of 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Timothy Wilson of Alberta Health says each zone determines the best way to meet demand.
“In this case, Calgary has two larger sites, while Edmonton has a number of smaller clinics, but their sum capacity is the same.”
When Premier Redford was asked Tuesday whether the province will open more clinics in Calgary, she responded by saying the current system is working well.
“There is no reason for anyone to be panicking,” said Redford. “This is something where the vaccine can be available; it is being delivered appropriately and we thank everyone for wanting to be vaccinated.”
Redford pointed out the vaccine has been available since October.
“Everyone that has been looking to get this has been able to get it up until now, and we’re hopeful that as we move forward that everyone who is making the responsible decision is been able to get the support they need.”
READ MORE: Alberta, Sask. severely hit by H1N1 flu so far, Canadian doctors say
So far the flu outbreak, which primarily involves the H1N1 strain, has led to 10 deaths in Alberta with more than 300 people hospitalized.
Province-wide, there been almost 1,000 confirmed cases of flu, with the majority in Calgary.
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