Influenza Immunization Program Update
September 24, 2021
Alberta’s Influenza Immunization Program provides publicly funded influenza vaccine for all individuals six months and older who live, work, visit or attend school in Alberta.
The public influenza program will begin the week of October 18, 2021.
Community physician clinics
This year, community physicians (primary care clinics and family physicians) participating in the influenza immunization program will receive vaccine from the wholesale distributor, Accuristix in collaboration with Alberta Health (AH), and order through the Alberta Vaccine Inventory (AVI) system. This process is similar to the one used for ordering COVID-19.
Alberta Health has provided information for interested clinics on how to join and the new requirements for participating.
Other community providers
Other community providers, including continuing care centres, OHS and corrections facilities must fill out the Influenza Vaccine Provider Registration Form. Alberta Health Services has provided more information here.
Influenza Vaccine and Reporting for the 2021-2022 Program
Each year, AH (the provincial Ministry of Health) selects vaccine on the basis of effectiveness data, National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, epidemiological data, product usage and interchangeability, procurement and budgetary considerations. Based on the review AH has purchased the following vaccines for this season’s publicly funded program:
- Quadrivalent influenza vaccines are available for all persons 6 months to 64 years of age.
- Quadrivalent Fluzone® High Dose will be available for all persons 65 years of age and older.
Reporting of influenza doses administered must be submitted electronically, either system to system from source electronic medical record to the provincial immunization repository or through the Immunization Direct Submission Mechanism (IDSM) within 7 days of administration.
Additional Resources
- Alberta Influenza Immunization Policy
- Alberta Immunization Policy (AIP)
- Influenza biological pages
- NACI Seasonal influenza vaccine statement
- AHS Influenza immunization for health professionals information package
Please email health.imm@gov.ab.ca if you have:
- Questions or require clarification for eligibility for distribution of influenza and pneumococcal-23 vaccine through Accuristix
- Immunization Policy-related questions
Zone contacts
North |
EdmontonJennifer Beaudry |
CentralWendy |
CalgaryChristine Sikora |
SouthPublic Health |
