Record number of Albertans vaccinated before peak flu season

With more than one million people already vaccinated, this has been the most successful seasonal influenza vaccination campaign in Alberta’s history.

“Every year, we try to increase participation in our vaccination program to help protect people from the flu. Over the course of the campaign, we have encouraged Albertans to come get their shot, and they have responded in record numbers.”- Dr. James Talbot, Chief Medical Officer of Health

Across the country, demand for the flu vaccine is exceeding supply. Dr. Talbot is in discussions as part of a national working group of chief medical officers to review what supply may be available and how it could be distributed to provinces and territories. To date, all but three jurisdictions have put in requests for more vaccines.

Minster of Health Fred Horne has been in contact with his counterparts across the country to explore all available options to ensure we can vaccinate as many Albertans and Canadians as possible.

Due to the significant uptake in this year’s flu vaccination campaign, Alberta Health Services will begin issuing public service announcements in the province’s health regions and updating its website regarding the closure of public immunization clinics as vaccine becomes unavailable.

“From years of experience, we know that not every Albertan will choose to get immunized. As a result, we always have vaccine leftover at the end of the season, including 60,000 doses that went unused last flu season. This will be the first year that demand has been greater than supply.”- Dr. James Talbot, Chief Medical Officer of Health

The only year that exceeded this year’s flu vaccination numbers was 2009 when Canadian provinces initiated a pandemic vaccination program in response to H1N1.
Where to get vaccinated

Anyone still wanting to be immunized should check online or call before they go to immunization clinics, pharmacies or doctors’ offices to confirm there is still vaccine available.

Health officials have set aside some for children who have received their first dose of influenza vaccine this season, and require a second dose. Parents should contact Alberta Health Services for more information.
Prevention

Albertans can also take personal action to protect their health and stop the transfer of influenza.

People are reminded to wash their hands, disinfect door knobs and other surfaces, and stay home if they are sick.

Related information:
Influenza 101
Immunization information
Influenza Statistics: 2013-2014 (drop down menu on the left)