Even though many local pharmacies have already been administering the flu shot, this week kicks off the influenza clinic offered at the Cochrane Community Health Centre.

The first of five clinic days providing drop-in vaccination appointments will be offered to Cochrane and area residents beginning this Wednesday (October 23).

Dr. Jia Hu, Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone, strongly encourages people to protect themselves personally against this year's strain. "I think the Influenza shot is one of the most important immunizations to get in any given year. Last year in Alberta, there were around 2,000 people hospitalized from Influenza, and in any given year in Canada, 3,500 people die from the disease. It is one of the most serious diseases that we know, and it affects people of all ages. The other thing is we often look to see what is happening in Australia to try and estimate what is going to happen in Canada. They had a pretty early and severe season last year with a strong sub-type of Influenza, and this makes me a bit worried about what may happen in Alberta and across Canada,"

Trying to prevent a wicked outbreak, many pharmacists have already begun vaccinating community members, shares Reid Kimmett, Operations Manager for Two Pharmacy. "The government handled things differently this year by getting us the product earlier. This enabled us to give flu shots to people right away rather than waiting until typically the third week in October. Hopefully, it will help get more people immunized and taken care of, to help in preventing more of those serious flu cases down the road."

While the number of doses administered across Alberta has remained relatively consistent over the past four years, the hope is always for more, shares Kimmett. "I never got flu shots for a long time because I took the approach that I am young, healthy, strong, and can fight most things off. As I get older and wiser, I realize it is not only me that I am getting immunized for. It's for my children, grandparents, and for those that are immune-compromised who are coming into the pharmacy. I can't recommend it enough when it comes to protecting yourself, your family, and your community around you."

Kimmett, says once again Two Pharmacy will offer both fixed and drop-in appointment times for those over five years of age. "We bring on additional staff, some dedicated to only doing flu clinics and some that will share that responsibility while still working in the dispensary. We estimate that we will hopefully do about six hundred or so flu shots this week, and we have the staffing in place for that."

There are some misconceptions when it comes to the flu as well as the vaccine itself, says Dr. Hu. "What people commonly misunderstand is that they think they have the flu, but they don't. When you have the flu, you are very sick. It is very different than the common cold, which most people mistake as the flu. The flu vaccine is meant to prevent a severe viral illness. It is also not possible for the flu shot to give you Influenza, it is a dead vaccine."

The flu vaccine is offered free of charge to all Albertans over six months of age, and those under five can only be vaccinated at an AHS Clinic or be a physician. Although Kimmett has not witnessed any adverse reactions to this year's vaccine, he encourages people to allow for 15 minutes post-shot just in case something crops up.

If you are an individual who could benefit from extra protection, a high dose, extra-potent flu shot is available for purchase. And although a return was rumoured, the nasal spray vaccine remains unavailable at this time. 

While many pharmacies and doctor offices around town are offering flu shots, you are best to contact them directly for times, drop-in availability, and age.

Below is a list of clinic dates offered at the Cochrane Community Health Centre located on the second floor of 60 Grande Boulevard.

  • October 23 11-6:30
  • October 30 11-6:30
  • November 13 11-6:30
  • November 20 11:6:30
  • December 11 11-6:30

Lastly, it is recommended that you visit a physician if you are feeling unwell and experiencing difficulty breathing, respiratory shortness, or a high fever for several days. While most people manage to avoid a hospital stay, the flu should not be taken lightly.

The flu shot is generally effective 30 to 70% of the time in any given year.