The province will be rolling out this season’s flu vaccine in less than three weeks.
“Our slogan for the campaign is get it before you need it so we really want to do is ensure people come out early”, says Dr. Gerry Predy, Alberta’s Senior Medical Officer of Health.
Early yes, but not before the October 20th rollout date, as set by the province.
Pharmicist Randy Howden says he’s ready.
“We’ve already received our stock and we’ve got all the supplies we need and we’re ready to go on the 20th”, says Howden.
He’s had to tell his customers they’ll have to wait.
“The purpose I think of asking them to wait is to ensure that we launch all of the providers at the same time. So it does take a while to distribute and get everybody on board, but the date is set by the province so we want to get everybody to start on the same day.”
A very few will be able to get the vaccine earlier, but only in exceptional circumstances.
The province says it’s better prepared for the new flu season.
It’s ordered more vaccine – two million doses – which it hopes will mean lineups can be avoided.
Health officials have set a goal to immunize 45% of Albertans, up from 27% last season.
The flu shot won’t provide protection from this year’s “other” nasty bug, Enterovirus D-68.
But there’s a real fear when flu season strikes, the two illness together could put tremendous pressure on the health system.
Toronto doctors are now investigating new Canadian cases of paralysis possibly linked to Enterovirus EVD-68, bringing the total number to 13 across the country.
To stay healthy, the advice remains the same – wash your hands often for Enterovirus – get immunized for the flu when it becomes available October 20th.
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