Flu clinics are now open across the province and health officials are hoping 40 per cent of Albertans take advantage of the free vaccine.

This yea health officials are hoping the vaccine will be a better match for the strains of flu that will circulate through the population. Last year's vaccine did not protect against the dominant flu strain that made people sick.

People line up to get their flu vaccine on the first day of shots in Calgary. (Monty Kruger/CBC)

According to Alberta Health Service's summary of influenza, the 2013-14 season had a much higher incidence of flu among the 25-34 age group and children under five.

Officials recommend anyone six months of age and older get the flu shot. The province purchased 1.8 million doses of the vaccine.

Click here more information on flu clinic locations and schedules.