With warnings that a third wave of the H1N1 flu outbreak is expected, health authorities across the country are starting to announce that anyone who wants the H1N1 flu shot will be able to get one.

The general release of the swine flu vaccine starts Thursday for anyone living in Ontario or Winnipeg. Priority group lists have been eliminated as officials say they are confident there is ample vaccine on hand.

Also, on Wednesday, Alberta announced that vaccination clinics there are expected to be open to all early next week. Starting Thursday, clinics will vaccinate any child 18 and under and their parents.

"I am very pleased that we are now able to offer the vaccine to anyone of any age, and of any health status, who wants it," said Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer at a news conference Wednesday in Toronto.

She warned that the flu does not go on holiday and urged everyone to get the shot, not only to protect themselves, but their loved ones.

"I want to remind everyone that the flu season lasts all season long," she said. "The flu virus does not take a holiday. We cannot afford to lower our guard."

Although the flu is no longer spreading fast in the community, Dr. Andre Corriveau, Alberta's chief medical officer of health said the virus will continue to infect people, with a third wave of infection expected in the new year.

The warning was echoed in Montreal where public health officials said while the current wave of the pandemic appears to be cresting, at least 100 people a day continue to come down with the swine flu. Quebecers were warned to expect a third wave of H1N1 infections in the new year, reinforcing the view that the pandemic is far from over.

Dr. Richard Lessard, director of the Montreal Public Health Department, urged people to continue to line up for shots. "The WHO is expecting a third wave," he said. "What we've learned is that the pandemic virus doesn't last only a year. It lasts for 10 to 20 years, even 30 years. So it's probably a good idea to get vaccinated now because it's going to protect you in the long run. We do expect the third wave sometime in the next year. It's better to get vaccinated now instead of getting the disease later."