How many Albertans have died from the flu this season?

As of January 17, 2026, 197 Albertans have died due to influenza this season.

What is contributing to the high number of flu deaths in Alberta?

Factors include the severe H3N2 strain, a potential vaccine mismatch, and significantly low vaccination rates.

What are the current flu vaccination rates in Alberta?

Only 20% of Albertans have received a flu shot this season, a rate experts believe is too low.

Home / Health / Alberta's Deadly Flu Season: Second Worst on Record

Alberta's Deadly Flu Season: Second Worst on Record

27 Jan

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Summary

197 Albertans have died from influenza this season.
Vaccination rates are at their lowest in over a decade.
Experts warn many deaths could have been prevented.

Alberta is currently experiencing its second deadliest flu season in recent history, with 197 influenza-related deaths recorded as of January 17, 2026. This grim total places the current season on pace to potentially become the most fatal since data collection began in 2009-10. Weekly case counts and hospitalizations have decreased since a December surge, with 370 individuals currently hospitalized and 26 in intensive care.

Health experts attribute the high death toll to several factors, including the predominant H3N2 strain's severity in older adults, a potential mismatch with the current vaccine, and alarmingly low vaccination rates. Only 20% of Albertans have received a flu shot this season, a figure experts suggest indicates that many deaths could have been prevented. Despite government efforts to promote vaccination, uptake remains low, prompting calls for new strategies to reverse this concerning trend.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.