Influenza immunization clinics begin October 24.

Alberta Health Services encourages everyone to get vaccinated against influenza. Dr. Judy MacDonald, AHS, Medical Officer of Health, says influenza is a serious disease.

"Every year we have individuals that have severe influenza requiring hospitalization and that can range in age right from the youngest to the oldest members of our population and can sometimes even result in death."

For those that worry that the influenza immunization can cause them to get sick, Dr. MacDonald says there is no way of contracting influenza from the vaccine.

"It may be that they got something else, maybe they were coming down with say a cold at the time they were getting their influenza vaccine or shortly after, so it is only natural to link to the vaccine.  With our vaccines there is not a risk of getting influenza from the vaccine."

This years vaccine like previous years are formulated to target multiple strains.

"Two of three of our vaccines are called quadrivalent they are covering four different influenza strains- two different influenza A strains and two different influenza B strains. Those vaccines are formulated to be consistent with the strains we expect to be circulating."

On average 30% of Albertans get vaccinated for influenza, Dr. MacDonald says she would like to see that number rise.

"Influenza is not the walk in the park you think it might be, it is a serious disease and can cause people to become very sick or if you don't get sick you might make some else very sick. Based on past experience if we don't manage to convince more than about 30% of people to be immunized that is not very good, It would great to be as high as 50% but that is quite a jump."

You can get your vaccinations at the following places:

Cochrane Community Health Centre- Public Health Clinic drop in October 26, November 2,9, 14, 23, December 7, 14. Clinics run 11 am-6:45 pm. Nasal mist for those over 2, injected vaccine for all ages.

Morley Health Centre- For Stoney residents/ families only. Nasal mist for those over 2, injected vaccine for all ages.

Sunset Ridge Pharmacy- Over 9 years of age Flumist (nasal spray option) and two injections (65+/ under 65)

Grand Avenue Pharmacy- Over 9 years of age Flumist (nasal spray option) and two injections (65+/ under 65). Can book online here, every person vaccinated will receive a mandarin orange to naturally boost Vitamin C.

Shoppers Drug Mart- No appointment necessary. Over 9 years of age Flumist (nasal spray option) and two injections (65+/ under 65)

Rexall- Injected vaccine offered only.

Safeway- No appointment necessary.

Save On Foods- No appointment necessary.