It’s flu season. Flu vaccine clinics open across the province on October 15.

The flu vaccine will be offered free of charge to Albertans six months old and older at locations around the province in the next two weeks.

Pharmacists can offer the flu shot to people aged five and older. Doctors and pharmacists will be able to offer the vaccine to people working in supportive living facilities and to residents of those facilities.

 “Getting immunized provides the best protection against influenza. With seniors, young children and Albertans with compromised immunity especially susceptible, I encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine to protect not only yourself, but others at risk of getting sick,” said Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health.

“It’s important even for adult Albertans to get their annual flu shot. When people get immunized, they protect not only themselves, but also people around them who may be more vulnerable, such as seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions,” said Kristin Klein, Deputy Medical Officer of Health.

Alberta is offering a four-strain injectable influenza vaccine named Fluzone and Flulaval Tetra, which will be offered to Albertans six months and older.

Influenza is a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause serious illness and death, particularly in vulnerable groups like seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.