Rimbey Pharmasave is providing free influenza vaccinations throughout the fall.
Alberta Health Services encourage Albertans to be vaccinated yearly and is setting up clinics around the province.
“As pharmacists we’re becoming more involved in vaccinating for the seasonal flu,” said Carl Ziegler.
Ziegler said winter is the peak flu season and by vaccinating as many people as possible now it’ll help control the severity and number of people who are affected. “By protecting yourself you’re protecting those around you.”
A person can be infected with the flu within five to 10 days of contact and can take weeks to completely recover, said Ziegler.
Each year the virus changes and those who want the protection of the vaccination should update annually. According to the Alberta Health Services website most vaccinations are good for only a year.
Ziegler said there are no age limits and no dietary restrictions prior to receiving the vaccination. He says the only thing you need to have is an Alberta health care card. “We record it onto your Alberta health care card.”
Rimbey’s Pharmasave also doesn’t require an appointment for vaccinations but Ziegler says it’d be good to call ahead to see what time works best.
For more information about the recommended vaccination, including vaccinations and pregnancies, visit www.albertahealthserivces.ca.