Right now residents in Lacombe have the opportunity to protect themselves against the flu by getting vaccinated.

According to Alberta Health Services, in six months alone last season, more than 1,600 Albertans were hospitalized with the flu and 62 died.

Medical Health Officer Dr. Digby Horne says the flu does not discriminate and it’s important for everyone to get their flu shot this season.

“People unfortunately can transmit influenza to others without even knowing that they’re sick themselves and getting immunized would help prevent transmission. With most people, influenza doesn’t lead to hospitalization or complications but it can and even healthy people can get severely ill.”

Dr. Horne adds those who are most at risk include children less than five years of age, people over 65, pregnant women, indigenous peoples, people with obesity and those with an underlying chronic illness including heart and lung disease.

The clinic runs until 7pm tonight and again from 1 to 7pm tomorrow at the LMC and is free of charge to all Albertans six months of age and older.