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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 multiple influenza 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 and vaccines are still the best protection from severe illness. The effectiveness of the current vaccine won't be known until the season progresses.

New pre-ordering process with Alberta Vaccine Booking System

  • As of August 11, 2025, Albertans can signal their intent to receive influenza vaccine and pre-order using the Alberta Vaccine Booking System (AVBS).
    • Pre-ordering does not confirm eligibility nor appointment time.
  • Albertans will receive a reminder notification via SMS or email prompting them to book their immunization appointment when booking opens.
  • When an Albertan books their immunization appointment for fall/winter 2025 to 2026, they can also pre-order their vaccine for 2026 to 2027.
  • The pre-order function is intended to help reduce waste while providing better data and information to better prepare vaccine supply needs for each season.
  • Albertans are not required to use the pre-order system to receive a vaccine.
    • The pre-order tool is intended to support vaccine planning and procurement.

How to book an appointment

  • Children 6 months to 5 years

    Children 6 months to 5 years of age can only be immunized at public health clinics. Pharmacists cannot immunize children under 5 years of age with provincially funded vaccine. Individuals eligible for free COVID-19 (phase 1) and influenza vaccine can book their appointments starting September 29, 2025. Appointments for eligible Albertans will begin on October 1, 2025.

    All others (phase 2) are asked to wait until October 20, 2025 to book their COVID-19 and influenza vaccine.

    Book an appointment:

  • Albertans 5 years of age and older

    Albertans 5 years of age and older are encouraged to get their influenza vaccine at their community pharmacy – many accept walk-in appointments. Albertans 5 years of age and older who are not eligible for free or not wanting COVID-19 vaccine can make appointments beginning on October 20, 2025 at their community pharmacy – many accept walk-in appointments.

    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 influenza immunization.
    • 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

    • If you have an appointment booked for COVID-19 vaccine at a public health clinic, you will be offered influenza vaccine at that time.
      • In most cases, a separate influenza vaccine appointment is not needed.
    • If you only want influenza vaccine and are 5 years of age and older, you are encouraged to go to a pharmacy.

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