Alberta is currently experiencing its second deadliest flu season in recent history. The influenza peak seems to have passed, but the virus will continue to circulate for the next few months. According to Alberta’s respiratory virus dashboard, 197 individuals in the province have died from the flu this season, marking the second-highest death toll since the launch of the universal seasonal flu vaccine program in 2009-10.
Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary, expressed disappointment at the possibility of this season becoming the most deadly on record. The province witnessed 236 flu-related deaths in the 2024-25 season, 171 in the previous season, and 121 in the 2022-23 season. This year’s death rates per population are among the highest ever reported.
Dr. Stephanie Smith from the University of Alberta Hospital highlighted various factors contributing to the high death toll, including the predominant H3N2 strain causing severe illness in older individuals, a slight vaccine mismatch, and low vaccination rates.
Only 20% of Albertans have received a flu shot this season, slightly lower than the previous season. Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of increasing vaccination rates to prevent severe disease. Despite concerns about vaccine mismatch, health experts maintain that the flu shot still offers protection against severe illness.
The Alberta government reported providing over 13,000 more flu shots this season compared to the previous year, despite concerns about vaccine mismatch. The province continues to promote vaccination through various channels, although vaccination rates have been declining in Alberta and other regions.
Dr. Jenne emphasized the need for a new approach to improve vaccination rates, as current efforts have not yielded the desired impact. He highlighted the importance of increasing vaccination rates to reduce the number of individuals requiring hospital care.
