More than 597,000 Albertans received the flu vaccine between Sept. 27 and Oct. 24, an increase of more than 50,000 doses over this time last year.
In the central zone, 55,492 doses of the vaccine were administered, and there was only one laboratory-confirmed case of Influenza A.
“Thank you for doing your part to help stop influenza and helping our health system stay focused on the pandemic response,” said Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Alberta Health Services added that while it is difficult to compare the early numbers to the full season last year, the number of doses administered is a step in the right direction.
“This first report is encouraging and suggests that Albertans are understanding the importance of influenza immunization this season, to reduce further illness in our communities as Alberta continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” AHS said.