Alberta is currently experiencing the second deadliest flu season in recent memory, with 197 deaths attributed to the influenza virus so far this season, according to the province’s respiratory virus dashboard. This death toll is the second highest since the 2009-10 season, when Alberta introduced its universal seasonal flu vaccine program and made data publicly available.
Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary specializing in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases, expressed disappointment at the possibility of this season becoming the deadliest on record. There were 236 deaths in the 2024-25 season, 171 in the previous season, and 121 in the 2022-23 season, with high death rates relative to the population.
Dr. Stephanie Smith, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Alberta Hospital, highlighted various factors contributing to the high death toll this year, including the predominant H3N2 strain causing more severe illness in older individuals, a slight vaccine mismatch, and low vaccination rates.
Currently, 20% of Albertans have received a flu shot this season, just below the previous season’s 21% rate. Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of increasing vaccination rates to prevent severe disease, as lower rates may have contributed to preventable deaths.
Despite concerns over a vaccine mismatch with the circulating strain, health experts maintain that the flu shot still offers protection against severe illness. The Alberta government reported an increase in the number of flu shots administered this season compared to the previous year, despite the mismatch.
Efforts to promote vaccination have been ongoing, with the government utilizing various platforms for outreach. However, vaccination rates have been declining in Alberta over the years, indicating the need for more effective strategies to improve uptake rates and reduce the impact of flu-related deaths.