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Alberta Health Services urges Airdrie residents to take advantage of free flu shots being given at the Towne and Country Centre from noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, 25, 29 and 30.

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Flu shot clinics set to open next week at Town and Country Centre

With kids back to school, temperatures steadily dropping and winter only a few short weeksmonthsmonths away, the time has come to roll up your sleeve and steady yourself for your that all important annual flu shot.

Clinics will be held at the Towne and Country Centre from 12 to 7 p.m. on October. 24, 25, 29 and 30. Those wishing to receive the free immunization, which is available to all Albertans six months of age and older, must bring their Alberta Health Care Card to the clinic on one of designated dates.

To make sure you are fully prepared for this winter’s flu bug here are a few things you should know, courtesy of Alberta Health Services:.

The vaccine prevents influenza in 70 to 90 per cent of healthy adults who get it.

The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to take effect.

It is important to get the shot every year because there are always new strains of influenza emerging.

Even if you’re healthy the flu shot can prevent you from getting sick and also prevent you from passing it on to others.

Just because you haven’t gotten sick in the past doesn’t mean you’re immune to the flu. Luck can run out, so get the shot.

You can still get the inactivated influenza vaccine even if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Depending on what medications you’re taking, it is always a good idea to chat with your family physician before getting the shot just to make sure there are no potential complications.

If you get the inactivated vaccine, you must wait two full days before donating blood.

For more information, including the list of local clinics, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca or call Health Link Alberta at 1 866 408 5465 (LINK).