Province offers free flu shots

Flu shots are available for free at clinics throughout Alberta starting on Tuesday.

Alberta Health Services is offering the inoculations against both the seasonal flu and H1N1 as a single dose. People who are at a high-risk of contracting influenza are encouraged to get their shots early in the season, health officials said.

All Albertans six months of age and older are being advised to get the shot at some point over the next couple of months.

"We don't really know what the disease burden will be this year," said Dr. Marcia Johnson, Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services.

"We are expecting again, just like every influenza season, that there will be different types of influenza virus entering our communities, often at slightly different times."

Alberta has already received large shipments of the vaccine and will continue receiving it throughout the flu season, health officials said.

Last year many Albertans waited in line for hours to get an H1N1 shot, which was initially in short supply.

About 36 percent of Albertans eventually got vaccinated, a slightly higher number than usual, officials said.

About 100 people lined up before the clinic opened at the Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre in Edmonton Tuesday morning.

"I get it every year, " saidJohn Mis."MIght as well get it early before you get a cold."

Kim Grabas brought her two school-age sons to theBonnie Doonclinic.

"Just less illness. It seems to work every year," she said.