Flu season has arrived, Alberta Health Services warns as 7 deaths reported
926,500 flu shots administered to date a good start, but AHS says too many Albertans remain unprotected
Alberta Health Services is again reminding people to get immunized as the flu season officially gets underway.
There have been seven influenza-related deaths in the province so far this year.
As of Nov.15, there have been 219 individual cases of flu reported in the province, including 69 hospitalizations and seven fatalities, AHS said in a written release.
The roughly 926,500 flu shots administered to date represents a good start, but thousands of Albertans remain without protection, AHS said.
“The level of influenza activity in the community we're seeing now — including reported outbreak activity — tells us that influenza season has begun,” said Dr.Gerry Predy, the province's chief medical officer of health.
“Uptake of influenza vaccine has been impressive so far, but we're certainly not where we want to be yet.
"It takes two weeks after being immunized to be fully protected. With the virus already circulating, Albertans need to act now: get immunized to protect yourself and reduce the further spread of disease in our province.”
For information about the free flu immunization clinic operated by AHS, go to Albertahealthservices.ca/influenza or call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.