Cochranites can still get their flu shot after the recent outbreak in Alberta.
“Getting the shot is about your loved ones and the people around you,” said Shiv Nijjar, the clinical pharmacist at Grand Avenue Pharmacy.
“We need to make sure we stop the spread of the flu – that is why vaccinations are so important because they help reduce the rates of the flu and reduce mortality.”
There have been five reported influenza-related deaths in Alberta this flu season. Four of the five were not immunized, and the fourth, a child, was only partially immunized having received one of the two necessary doses. Two of the deaths were in the Calgary zone, one adult between 18 and 64 and another person aged 65 or older. The other three deaths happened in the Edmonton zone.
“Influenza is here in Alberta and we’re now seeing its tragic toll. One Albertan death is too many and this week we have the unfortunate responsibility of confirming five,” Dr. Gerry Predy, Alberta Health Services (AHS) senior medical officer of health, said in a press release.
“If that isn’t enough to encourage immunization, the upswing in hospitalizations is yet further evidence of the very real severity of influenza.”
According to the press release, more than two million influenza vaccines were purchased for use in the province and, as of last week, over one million doses have been administered so far.
“The shot is pretty important because it protects yourself against influenza and we found this year it is pretty well matched on certain strains,” Nijjar explained.
“It also protects the more vulnerable parts of our population like the elderly and the young, which is pretty important because they are more prone to the complications of the flu and we don’t want to expose them to that.”
The flu shot is still available for anyone with a valid Alberta Health Card at Grand Avenue Pharmacy located at 105-100 Grand Blvd. in Cochrane. Shots are available on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
For more hours of the pharmacy go to grandavenuepharmacy.info
