Oil Kings combine flu shots and slap shots; and you can too!
With cold and flu season in full swing, members of the Edmonton Oil Kings did their part to avoid being bitten by the bug by getting their flu shots earlier this week at the East Edmonton Health Centre.
Some winced, and some toughed it out with a brave face – but all sixteen players in attendance were happy to roll up their sleeves in hopes of staying in peak health this season.
“It’s important for everybody to be immunized, not just for yourself but to help protect those around you; be that family, your teammates, and all those we care for on a daily basis,” said Dr. Chris Sikora, Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone.
“It’s a quick and simple procedure,” he continued. “You come into either a public health centre, one of our partner physician offices, or many pharmacies across Alberta. You get registered, you show your Alberta Health Card, roll up your sleeve and it’s just that simple. You get on with your day knowing that you’ve protected yourself and those around you for the upcoming year.
“For some people, getting the flu is a nuisance and an inconvenience, but for others it can mean hospitalization or death.”
“It was quick and easy,” said Oil Kings forward Jake Neighbours. “It was good to get the shot. The WHL schedule can be pretty grueling at times and it’s important to do whatever I can to keep myself as healthy as possible.”
Oil Kings head athletic therapist, Brian Cheeseman, echoed the sentiments of Neighbours, and said the challenge to keep players in peak health over the course of the season can be a daunting one at times, but the flu shot helps accomplish that.
“With the close quarters we keep in our dressing room and the amount of travel we do on a bus over the course of the year, it’s important for us to get our flu shots,” said Cheeseman. “In those types of environments, if one guy gets sick then someone else does, and someone else does, and we need to keep the guys as healthy and as happy as possible.
“I think the guys did a great job with their shots today,” he added. “We’d like to thank Alberta Health Services for having us and for allowing us to be a part of this initiative.”
Not only did the players in attendance elect to have their flu shots done, but they’re encouraging others to do the same.
Rexall Pharmacists will be onsite offering the flu shot to fans at no charge during two upcoming Oil Kings games on Sunday, October 21 and Saturday October 27.
Rexall is committed to making it easier for patients to get a flu shot any time, any day, with no appointment necessary. Rexall Pharmacists will be conveniently located in Ford Hall and in the Rexall Neighbourhood on the main concourse behind Section 126.
Note that children under five (5) years of age are not eligible to receive the flu shots at pharmacist-run vaccination clinics and will need to visit an Alberta Public Health Clinic.
Fans who wish to receive a flu shot may fill out a consent form before the game to submit at the Rexall Drugstore Flu Clinic, downloadable here.
Remember, you must have your Alberta Health Care Card on hand in order to receive the shot.