The 2017/2018 influenza strain continues to make its mark Alberta as, according to Alberta Health Services, there have been more than 2,300 confirmed cases of the flu in the province including 13 fatalities.

“It is a tough flu,” said Sarah Hoffman, Alberta’s Minister of Health. “There are over a million Albertans who have been immunized and, if you haven’t yet, I really do want to encourage anyone who’s sitting at home thinking about getting the flu shot, please do.”

“If you don’t know where to go, you can call 811 and talk to a public health nurse who can give you information. You can go to your local pharmacy and get it.”

As of December 14, 1,097,060 Albertans have received the 2017/2018 influenza vaccine.

Alberta Health Services officials say, between August 28 and December 9 of this year, there have been 1,984 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A and 494 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza B. In that timeframe, 632 Albertans who had the flu were hospitalized (364 in the Calgary Zone) and 13 Albertans with influenza died (including eight people in the Calgary Zone).

Hoffman says the vaccine helps protect all Albertans, not just those who undergo the needle.

“The best way to protect yourself is to be immunized and it’s also the best way to protect others including those who are going through chemotherapy treatments or those who are immunosuppressed in some other way because not everyone can get the flu shot,” said Hoffman. “The more of us that do, the safer it is for everyone.”

For additional information on influenza and flu vaccines visit Alberta Health Services – Influenza Immunization.