Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne says too few people have gotten flu shots in light of a recent surge of cases of the illness, notably the H1N1 strain.
As of New Year's Day, there were 965 lab-confirmed cases of flu, 920 of them H1N1. Five patients died while in the intensive-care uni, and 251 people have been sick enough to be admitted to hospital.
However, only 21 per cent of Albertans and 49 per cent of health-care workers have had flu shots.
Horne is urging people to get immunized.
"Getting immunized protects you, your friends, family, co-workers and everyone you come into contact with," Horne said in a news release. "That includes vulnerable Albertans for whom the flu can mean serious illness or even death."
Alberta Health Services, the provincial board that runs the health system, has been asked to publish immunization rates for staff at each facility.
On Friday, there were long lineups outside flu vaccination clinics as they reopened in Edmonton.
People had to stand outside at the Bonnie Doon clinic because there was no room inside. Staff were giving newcomers tickets and asking them to come back later.
Clinics in Calgary had similar lineups when they reopened on Thursday.
Pharmacies and doctors' offices also offer the flu shot. However, pharmacies aren't allowed to give the vaccine to children under nine years old.
Is the province doing enough to make the flu shot accessible?
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