Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

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Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine campaign

Starting Friday, November 20, H1N1 immunizations will expand to include all children under 18 years of age as of November 1, as well as their immediate family members and caregivers living in the same household.

These are in addition to the highest risk groups:

  • All children over six months and under five years as of November 1;
  • Pregnant women;
  • People with chronic conditions aged 5–64 as of November 1;
  • Seniors over 75 years of age as of November 1, as well as their spouses or partners of any age;
  • Household contacts and caregivers of people who cannot be immunized (infants under six months of age and individuals with suppressed immune systems);
  • First responders including firefighters, police and provincial peace officers; and
  • Frontline health care workers.

 Starting Monday, November 23, Alberta's H1N1 immunization program will expand to include all members of the public.

Alberta Health Services will continue to provide updated information on their plan to administer the pandemic H1N1 influenza immunization to Albertans.

Pandemic H1N1 influenza in Alberta

On this website, the H1N1 influenza virus is referred to as “pandemic H1N1 influenza virus” or "Pandemic (H1N1) 2009." Governments around the world and WHO are working together to monitor and respond to this pandemic.

The province’s health system is on alert and Albertans are asked to take precautions against the H1N1 influenza virus to help stop the spread of infection.

Cases in Alberta

As of October 27, Alberta pandemic case reporting will be daily, excluding weekends and holidays.

Alberta response

  • Alberta and the other provinces and territories are working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor pandemic H1N1 influenza virus activity.
  • Medical Officers of Health in the province have been advised to continue surveillance and to implement protocols to minimize the spread of infection.
  • Health care workers are taking appropriate steps to prevent the spread of infection among patients, staff and the public.
  • Alberta has a response plan in place to deal with a pandemic. Alberta’s response plan is being used in co-ordination with municipal plans, Alberta Health Service plans, and the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector, prepared by a partnership of federal, provincial and territorial governments.

More information

Government of Canada

International

What you should know

Help prevent the spread of influenza

  • If ill, stay home from work, school and avoid public places.
  • One of the best ways to prevent influenza is to get the influenza vaccine every year.
    • The pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine is available the week of October 26, 2009.
  • Clean hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may contain influenza and other viruses.

What to do if you think you are sick with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection with a sudden fever and cough:

If your symptoms are getting worse or not improving:

  • Call Health Link Alberta or your health care provider for medical advice.
  • If you require a medical appointment, be sure to tell them about your symptoms before going.
  • If your health-care provider sends you home, you should stay at home for seven days from the start of your symptoms or until you are able to resume daily activities, whichever is shorter.

If you later become short of breath or develop other symptoms of severe illness:

  • Contact your health-care provider or go to an Emergency Department.
  • If you require Emergency Department care, immediately tell the triage nurse that you have respiratory symptoms and if you have had contact with someone who is sick with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.

Call Health Link Alberta