Calgary residents swarm seasonal flu clinics

From the Calgary Herald:
Thousands of Calgarians packed flu shot clinics as Alberta launched a massive influenza immunization campaign Tuesday, braving winter driving conditions and long lineups for a vaccine against seasonal strains of the virus.

Alberta Health Services said 2,950 people were inoculated against the seasonal flu at four sites in the city by Tuesday afternoon, nearly double the number that turned out on the first day of last year's program.

The clinics for seasonal influenza are the first phase of government's two-part flu plan, which also includes a separate vaccine for H1N1 influenza that is expected to be available in November.

"I'm thrilled by the lineups," said Dr. Judy MacDonald, deputy medical officer of health with the provincial superboard. "People want to do the best they can to protect themselves." ...more