Alberta is experiencing its deadliest flu season in nearly two decades, with 250 influenza‑related deaths reported so far, the highest number since the province began publicly tracking cases in 2009.

Public health experts say the numbers reflect a troubling trend in the province.

Craig Jenne, deputy director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the University of Calgary, says each statistic represents a family now facing loss.

“This is a very frustrating number,” he says. “You have to realize these numbers are Albertans and their family members. It’s really discouraging to see that number rise for the last four years.”

While older adults remain most vulnerable to severe influenza, Alberta’s latest data shows twelve Albertans between 20 and 49 years old have died this season.

“It’s an important reminder that although there are high‑risk groups that need to be vaccinated, there are other Albertans, essentially anyone over the age of one, who can benefit from vaccination,” Jenne said.

Emergency physician and University of Alberta professor Dr. Louis Franscetti says the impact on younger adults is becoming more visible in hospitals.

“I saw one young guy in emergency that came in. He looked like he just had the flu, and then within eight hours he was intubated in the intensive care unit,” he said.

Vaccine uptake hits 15 year low

Despite the severity of this year’s flu season, vaccine uptake sits at around 20 per cent, the lowest level recorded since 2010–11.

Franscetti says immunization rates have lagged since the COVID‑19 pandemic and believes the province needs to rebuild trust.

“We now have a new chief medical officer of health, and she’s got to be very visible,” he says. “She’s got to be building up trust with Albertans so that when we come around to next flu season… people trust her.”

Health Minister Matt Jones says the province continues to promote the benefits of vaccination.

“The Government of Alberta engages in education and awareness campaigns about the benefits of vaccination. I would encourage anyone to consult with a medical professional about their options to get protected,” he said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services said Alberta experienced an “exceptionally large and early” flu wave that peaked in mid‑December and has since declined sharply.

As part of Budget 2026, the province says it will invest $140 million to strengthen immunization outreach and improve access next year.