Alberta has logged 428 lab-confirmed seasonal influenza cases and one death since the respiratory season began on Aug. 30, provincial data shows, as health officials urge residents to get vaccinated when the public immunization program opens Oct. 19.
The Oct. 19 start date is the earliest published rollout among Canadian provinces this year. Experts are warning of declining vaccine uptake — Alberta administered about 1.15 million doses last season, roughly 24 per cent coverage — and flagging so-called "vaccine fatigue" as a growing concern.
Infectious-disease specialists say early-season flu activity, combined with an evolving mix of circulating strains, makes this year's campaign especially important for seniors, young children and people with chronic conditions.
Pharmacists across the province are expected to carry the bulk of the rollout once the program opens, with public-health clinics handling targeted outreach to high-risk and rural communities.
