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Provincial health authorities hope to immunize as many Albertans against the seasonal flu this winter as they did during last year's H1N1 campaign.

During 2009's H1N1 pandemic, just 36 per cent of Albertans opted to be vaccinated, the health region said Friday. But compared to regular seasonal flu campaigns, which normally draw about 20 per cent, that was considered high.

"Last year was a big increase, so we're aiming to reach at least as many people as were done last year," said Dr. Andrew Corriveau, chief medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services.

For the second year, public health clinics will offer free shots to anyone who wants them, from six-month-old infants to senior citizens.

Last fall, high demand and a shortage of H1N1 vaccine forced Alberta to temporarily close clinics before gradually offering shots to the public, beginning with those at highest risk.

Controversy over the government's handling of the immunization program led the province to order an audit that is expected to be turned over to Alberta Health by the end of next week.

Calgary will have six flu clinics open starting Oct. 12, with five remaining open until mid-December. Last year, seven clinics were opened to meet demand for the H1N1 vaccine.

Alberta Health Services has ordered 800,000 doses of the vaccine that will target the H3N2 strain of influenza A, as well as influenza B and H1N1 in a single shot.

"We still expect to see some (H1N1) continue to circulate, albeit at lower levels of activity because many people are immune from last year," said Corriveau. "It's still expected to be around."

For those who received an H1N1 shot last year or became infected with the disease, this year's vaccination will serve as a booster, said Corriveau.

The decision to combine the three strains into one shot was made based on what was seen in the Southern Hemisphere during the summer.

It's believed one strain will come in a first wave in December and a second strain will hit in February or early March.

Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky doesn't believe last year's H1N1 hype will discourage Albertans from rolling up their sleeves for a needle this year.

"I would encourage people to look seriously at getting their immunizations and getting them done early so that there isn't a long lineup later on, when the flu season really hits," he said.

The Health Quality Council of Alberta conducted the review of the province's H1N1 flu vaccination rollout. Zwozdesky said he expects to receive the report shortly.

"There's some lessons that were learned obviously, and I'm looking forward to reading the report," he said.

More information about the immunization program -- and the times clinics are open -- is available at albertahealthservices.ca.

Flu Clinics To Open Oct. 12

- ¦ Avenida Village, 303, 12445 Lake Fraser Dr. S.E.

- ¦ Brentwood Village Mall, 302, 3630 Brentwood Rd. N.W.

- ¦ EMS Whitehorn, north entrance, 100, 3705 35th St. N.E.

- ¦ Richmond Road Diagnostic Treatment Centre, 1820 Richmond Rd. S.W.

- ¦ South Calgary, 31 Sunpark Plaza S.E.

- ¦ Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way S.E.

smyers@calgaryherald.com

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