Alberta flu shot program begins Monday, with COVID-19 protocols

In a press conference Monday, SHA Physician Executive Dr. Kevin Wasko said these types of clinics will provide a test-run of sorts for when a COVID-19 vaccine rolls out.

"Getting a flu shot this year is more important than ever because of COVID-19".

According to Fertel, there are little differences between COVID and flu symptoms.

A National influenza vaccination campaign has been launched by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) jointly today.

"We are confident in the current supply levels for the flu vaccine", said spokesperson Andrew Forgione.

The circulating flu viruses change from year to year which is why it is important to receive the flu vaccine annually. "I think it's really important to get testing for a number of reasons, the isolation period for COVID is longer than that of the flu".

It is recommended that flu vaccine is safe for everyone above six months.

Over 90,000 persons received the influenza vaccine in just one week, the health ministry said.

The health authorities said that 100,000 vaccines were available in the first batch.

The record number is equivalent to the flu innoculations administered throughout the whole influenza season a year ago.

"When people pay attention when they wash their hands whatever measures we put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus will absolutely work as well for the flu", he said.

MoPH said that it aims to vaccinate around 500000 people and the vaccination will start from tomorrow, 20 October. "Even if you not get severely sick with flu, you may pass it onto someone with a weak immune system", she said.