Alberta expands respiratory virus protection ahead of fall and winter season

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Patrick Wachter
Southern Alberta Newspapers

As respiratory virus season approaches, the province of Alberta is preparing to launch its fall immunization program.

Aligning with National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendations, the program offers respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19 immunizations, including broader protections for children and vulnerable adults, with access through community pharmacies, Primary Care Alberta public health clinics and outreach services across the province.

Starting Oct. 5, Albertans will be able to book their annual immunizations against fall respiratory viruses, with expanded protections for vulnerable residents.

“We all have people in our lives we want to keep healthy, whether it is a new baby, grandparent or someone managing a serious health condition. By expanding protections and offering immunization options close to home, we’re giving families more ways to protect the people they love, especially those most vulnerable,” said Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services in a news release.

Immunization can reduce serious illness and hospitalization, helping keep Albertans safe and easing pressure on the health care system during respiratory virus season.

Alberta residents can book their immunization appointments online, by calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or public health clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a nearby pharmacy. The province encourages those interested to speak with their primary care provider for guidance on immunizations and what options are best for them.

“Fall immunization programs help protect Albertans from serious respiratory illnesses, protect more susceptible family and community members, and decrease the need for hospitalization. Additionally, this reduces pressures on our health care system. The expanded adult RSV program, as well as the infant program, provides protection for Albertans at risk of severe RSV disease.

“Providing RSV antibodies to newborns during the respiratory season is expected to reduce severe illness, emergency department visits, and RSV-related hospitalizations in infants,” said Dr. Vivien Suttorp, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Primary and Preventative Health Services.