Alberta's new chief medical officer of health is issuing a strong public plea for influenza vaccinations as confirmed cases of the flu have surged across the province. Official data shows that confirmed influenza cases have more than doubled since late November, putting significant strain on the healthcare system.
New Health Leader Addresses Unique Flu Season
In her inaugural press conference as Alberta's permanent chief medical officer, Dr. Vivien Suttorp highlighted the unique challenges of this respiratory virus season. She pointed to the predominance of the influenza A H3N2 strain as a key driver behind the spike in illnesses and hospital admissions.
"This particular strain historically has a greater impact on children, seniors, and individuals with chronic medical conditions," Dr. Suttorp explained. She noted that H3N2 tends to lead to more severe complications for those who become infected, underscoring the importance of protective measures.
Dr. Suttorp brings over 25 years of public health experience to the role, having most recently served as the lead medical officer of health for Alberta's South Zone for 17 years. She was officially appointed on Thursday, succeeding interim CMOH Dr. Sunil Sookram.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Hospital Preparedness
Acknowledging a known challenge, health officials confirmed that global surveillance has identified a mismatch between the H3N2 component in this year's vaccine and the currently dominant circulating strain. This means the shot may be less effective against that specific variant.
However, Dr. Suttorp emphasized that the vaccine still provides protection against two other influenza A strains (H1N1) and an influenza B strain that are also in circulation. "It is encouraging the uptake of the influenza vaccine at this point, very similar to last year," she stated, urging Albertans not to forgo immunization.
On the healthcare front, the province has taken steps to manage the influx of patients. Hospitals and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones reported that Alberta designated 336 hospital beds specifically for the respiratory virus season, with 206 of those now available year-round. An additional 30 surge beds can be activated during peak periods.
"In addition to the great work that AHS and other providers do every year to prepare for respiratory virus season, we did stand up additional beds, and we did move patients to continuing care in other settings to free capacity in advance of this season," Minister Jones said.
Seeking Appropriate Care and a Collective Effort
With emergency departments feeling the pressure, health officials are reminding the public to use the system wisely. Dr. Peter Jamieson of Alberta Health Services stressed that the ER is not always the first or best option for care.
He pointed Albertans toward alternative resources like calling Health Link at 811, consulting the Health Education and Learning (HEAL) website, or visiting a family physician or nurse practitioner, many of whom offer extended hours during this busy season.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Suttorp reinforced her philosophy of shared responsibility in public health. "One of my mottos is that everybody owns public health," she said. "Together, we can improve the health of all Albertans." The call to action is clear: get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and seek appropriate care to help Alberta weather this severe flu season.
