Influenza (Flu) and COVID Vaccines available on October 15th, 2024

Information on updated booster doses for Influenza (Flu) and COVID Vaccines

• The Fall immunization campaign for the updated COVID and influenza vaccines will start on October 15th, 2024

• The new mRNA COVID vaccine formula will target the KP.2 subvariant, one of the latest offshoots of the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19

• We will only have the mRNA vaccines available*

• Novavax COVID-19 vaccine will not be available this Fall in Canada

  *subject to provincial vaccine supply

Booking your Influenza (Flu) and COVID vaccine appointment

• You can book your COVID and influenza vaccine online or by calling 403-300-2997

• Both COVID and Influenza (Flu) vaccine will be available starting on October 15th

• We are able to provide both the COVID and influenza(flu) vaccines on the same visit, you will only need one appointment booking for either vaccine or both if you prefer

• You may bring a plus one with you for your vaccine appointment time

  
  

COVID and Influenza (Flu) vaccine eligibility:

• If it has been at least 3 months from a previous COVID vaccine or 3 months from a positive COVID infection you are eligible for the new COVID vaccine

• Anyone 6 months of age and older can receive the new Influenza (Flu) vaccine*

  *Pharmacists can only vaccinate persons ≥ 5 years of age

For more information check out Alberta Health Vaccine Information

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine Booster

What is Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis?

• Also known as DTap or Tdap

• Tetanus is an infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, and it enters the body through broken skin. Cases are most often most due to cuts, scrapes and wounds with objects contaminated with this bacteria.

• Diphtheria  is a bacterial disease spread through respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing. These droplets can survive on surfaces such as desks or toys for extended periods and cause infections. 

• Pertussis or whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. This infection affects the airways, and the bacteria release toxins that cause swelling and airway damage. Infection occurs through close contact. 

What are the symptoms of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis?

• Tetanus symptoms can be severe such as muscle spasms, changes in blood pressure, and jaw cramping. 

• Diphtheria produces a toxin that causes weakness, sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands.

• Pertussis symptoms can begin as fever, cough, breathing issues and can lead to rapid coughing, fatigue, vomiting and pneumonia. Sometimes, a seal-like barky cough can occur in babies or infants.

When should you receive the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine?

• Currently, Public Health nurses usually give 5 doses of Tdap vaccine to children by the age of 6.

• Some groups, including health care workers or health care students may require a Tdap booster before 10 years.

• Alberta Health now covers the cost of the Tdap vaccine in some pharmacies (including Axis Pharmacy Clinic) in the following scenarios:

  • A booster for adults every ten years.

  • For each pregnancy a booster between 27-32 weeks, to protect your baby from whooping cough.

  • If it has been more than 5 years since your last booster, and you have had a recent wound that may put you at risk for tetanus infection.

• Depending on your previous vaccination history, you may be eligible for a booster shot. Ask Eli or Doug if this vaccine may be right for you!
  

Polio and the Poliomyelitis Vaccine

What is Polio (poliomyelitis)?

• Polio is a virus that often is mild but in some cases can be life altering and sometimes deadly. 

• It is most often spread through the fecal-oral route by contact with stool from an infected individual

• Polio is extremely rare in Canada since the introduction of the polio vaccine, cases may still be seen for those who have travelled to endemic polio countries. 

What are the symptoms?

• Most often people who are infected show no symptoms, around one in four will have flu-like symptoms

• Some of the minor symptoms include sore throat, fever, fatigue, nausea, and headache.

• Rare but serious symptoms include inflammation of the central nervous system, paralysis, permanent disability and sometimes death. 

What is the Polio (Poliomyelitis) Vaccine?

• The polio vaccine provides immunity in individuals close to 95% of time after the primary series, and close to 100% after the single booster dose.  

Who should have the Polio Vaccine?

• Most children will have had 5 doses of the vaccine by the age of 5 years old. [Alberta Immunization Schedule]

• Some adults who handle polio or healthcare workers who may contact infected people may need to have a Polio booster

• Ask Eli or Doug if this vaccine may be right for you!

For more information check out the Canadian Immunization Guide