Influenza Immunization Program Update
September 2, 2020
|
Published by the AHS Province Wide Immunization Program Team |
Issue 41, September 2020 |
Alberta’s Influenza Immunization Program provides publicly funded influenza vaccine for all individuals 6 months and older who live, work or attend school in Alberta.
Outreach influenza immunization services for high-risk Albertans is anticipated to begin the week of October 13, 2020, with the public influenza program to begin the week of October 19, 2020.
Alberta Health Services Public Health is focusing immunization efforts on those at greatest risk of influenza who are unable to access influenza vaccine through pharmacists, physicians or other community providers. Individuals five years of age and older, are encouraged to get immunized at their local pharmacy or physician’s office
In order to receive influenza vaccine:
- The Influenza Vaccine Provider Registration Form and planning and resource documents are available on the Alberta Health Services website or the registration form may be faxed to your site by your Zone Contact. The Influenza Vaccine Provider Registration Form contains a request for vaccine storage information. This section must be completed and then the form can be submitted by fax or email to your Zone Contact.
- You will receive confirmation of program enrolment through the 2020-2021 Medical Officer of Health Influenza Immunization Program Letter. This letter will outline all aspects of the 2020-2021 program. Influenza vaccine order sets will be added to the vaccine inventory system, AVI, as providers are accepted.
Influenza Vaccine for the 2020-2021 Program
Each year, Alberta Health (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:
Four quadrivalent influenza vaccines are being provided by Alberta Health for use this season and will be distributed to providers across the province.
The Government of Canada has purchased Fluzone® High Dose for persons 65 years of age and older that reside in Long Term Care facilities.
2020-2021 Program Reporting
Report forms accounting for number of influenza doses administered, wasted and on hand should be sent to your Zone Contact on a monthly basis. This is a requirement in order to continue ordering vaccine.
Zone specific reporting forms are posted on the AHS website at www.albertahealthservices.ca/2824.asp.
Community providers will have the option of submitting the reporting form via email or fax to their Zone Contact. Monthly reporting due dates will be indicated on the zone specific reporting form. v
Zone contacts
North |
EdmontonJennifer Beaudry |
CentralWendy Malo |
CalgaryChristine Sikora |
SouthPublic Health Nursing Team |
