Alberta is currently experiencing one of its deadliest flu seasons in recent history. While the peak of influenza cases seems to have passed, the virus is expected to remain active for several more months. According to data from the province’s respiratory virus dashboard, 197 Albertans have succumbed to the flu this season, marking the second-highest death toll since the introduction of Alberta’s universal seasonal flu vaccine program in 2009-10.
Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary specializing in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases, expressed concern over the possibility of this season becoming the most fatal on record. Previous years have seen a rising trend in flu-related fatalities, with 236 deaths reported in the 2024-25 season, 171 in the season before that, and 121 in 2022-23.
Dr. Stephanie Smith, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Alberta Hospital, highlighted several factors contributing to this year’s high death toll, including the predominant H3N2 strain causing severe illness in older individuals, a slight mismatch with the vaccine, and low vaccination rates. She emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing severe flu-related outcomes.
Despite efforts to promote vaccination, Alberta’s flu shot uptake has been declining, with only 20% of the population receiving the vaccine this season. This rate is slightly lower than the previous season and is concerning to experts like Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist at McMaster University, who believes that many deaths could have been prevented with higher vaccination rates.
The Alberta government reported an increase in flu shots administered compared to the previous year, despite concerns about vaccine efficacy. Health officials maintain that the flu shot still provides protection against severe illness. The government continues to advocate for vaccination through various media channels but acknowledges the historical challenge of achieving optimal vaccination rates in the province.
Dr. Jenne stressed the need for a new approach to improve vaccination rates in Alberta, citing the importance of reaching levels seen in other regions to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Efforts to promote vaccination need to be reassessed to effectively address the persisting issue of low immunization rates in the province.
