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Part of Respiratory illness

Influenza

Learn about influenza (the flu) and how to protect yourself by getting immunized.

Overview

Influenza (sometimes referred to as the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by a virus. It spreads through the air or by touching objects that have been coughed or sneezed on by someone with the virus.

Most people who get sick with influenza recover, but it can require hospitalization or even cause death. That's why we encourage all Albertans 6 months and older to get an influenza immunization (vaccine) each year.

The influenza vaccine is available free of charge. It is especially important for seniors, pregnant women, young children, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and people with chronic health conditions as they have a higher risk of severe complications. It is also important for people in direct contact with poultry potentially infected with avian influenza during culling operations, to prevent co-infection with both strains.

Get immunized

The annual vaccine helps protect people from the most common strains of influenza expected to circulate that year. Experts from the World Health Organization review seasonal influenza data and trends from around the world to make these predictions.

Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year but vaccines are still the best protection from severe illness. The effectiveness of the current vaccine won't be known until the season progresses.

  • Children 6 months to 5 years

    Children 6 months to 5 years of age can only be vaccinated at Alberta Health Services public health clinics. Pharmacists cannot immunize children under 5 years of age.

    Book an appointment:

  • Albertans age 5 to 65

    Albertans 5 years of age and older are encouraged to get their influenza vaccine at their community pharmacy – many accept walk-in appointments, or by appointment at Alberta Health Services public health clinics.

    Book an appointment:

  • Albertans 65+

    Albertans 65 years of age or older can get a regular or a high-dose influenza vaccine free of charge:

    • at your community pharmacy
    • at Alberta Health Services clinics:

    Book an appointment:

Prevent the spread

  • Actions you can take

    There are things you can do to prevent getting sick and to protect others: 

    • Get your COVID-19 and influenza immunizations.
    • Stay home when feeling sick.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, whenever possible.
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes, then clean your hands.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items at home, especially when someone is sick.
    • Wear a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces to help reduce the risk of becoming sick and to help protect others from being exposed.

    Antibiotics do not work against the influenza virus (or any other virus). Antiviral medications may be used for treatment or prevention of influenza.

  • Influenza immunization and COVID-19

    • The influenza vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, but it will reduce your chances of getting sick with influenza.
    • COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to eligible individuals 6 months of age and older with each influenza vaccine appointment booked. In most cases, a separate COVID-19 vaccine appointment is not needed. We recommend confirming with the provider at the time of your influenza appointment if you can receive both vaccines.
    • By keeping influenza counts low we can make sure our health-care system has capacity to respond to treating people with other illnesses and injuries.

Influenza cases in Alberta

See how seasonal influenza is circulating in Alberta. The interactive influenza dashboard provides aggregate data on cases and vaccinations. It is updated weekly on Thursdays.

View Alberta influenza statistics

Learn more about influenza