By Leah Murray

Medicine Hat Military Tattoo announced for May 2018

Oct 25, 2017 | 11:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Hundreds of people turning out for first of nine immunization clinics.

It started up Tuesday, running from 1-6 P.M. at the Cypress Centre Auditorium.

Despite the long lineups, many there said they felt it was important to get their flu shots.

While there are several immunization clinics taking place, people can also get the vaccine from most pharmacists.

“Some places will need an appointment, other people are just walk-ins,” said pharmacist Greg Bueckert, owner of Greg’s Remedy’s. “We’re a walk-in, we have two full time pharmacists doing shots here.”

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During the last flu season, there were nearly 4,000 confirmed cases of influenza. More than 1,600 Albertans were hospitalized and 64 people died from it.

Dr. Lena Derie-Gillespie believes the actual number of flu cases is likely much higher.

“The only way we ever confirm if someone’s had influenza is if they’ve been swabbed,” she explained. “So, I think the numbers that represent the confirmed cases, the hospitalizations, even the fatalities are just the tip of the iceberg, they are an underestimation of the burden of this disease in our province.”

This year’s vaccine prevents against four different strains of the influenza virus, two type ‘A’ and two type ‘B’

Alberta Health Services said while vaccines can’t protect you from every strain, it does better your odds of avoiding the flu by at least 40 per cent.

“When lots of people get the disease that 40 per cent reduction is huge, not only on an individual level, but on a community level and a systems level as well,” said Dr. Derie-Gillespie.

Last year, almost 1.2 million doses of vaccine were administered which is up from the previous flu season.

AHS said its target this year is to see 35 per cent of the population immunized.

Though Dr. Derie-Gillespie said it’s hard to predict how bad a flu season will be, many in the health community are expecting it to be worse than last year.

Health officials say there are already cases of the flu being reported throughout the province and there are even some outbreaks. That has them urging people to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

Here’s a list of times and locations for the flu clinics in Medicine Hat.

Cyrpress Centre

Adult Resource Fair October 24, 2017 1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Flu Lapalooza October 25, 2017 1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Higdon Hall

October 26, 2017 1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

November 1, 2017 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

November 4, 2017 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

November 28, 2017 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

December 20, 2017 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

January 15, 2017 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.