Calgary still leads the province in influenza despite boost in immunization numbers

Increased demand for flu vaccine Roughly 50,000 more Calgarians have received the flu vaccine this year compared to last year as the number of confirmed cases of the flu grows. Chris Epp has the latest.

Authorities in Alberta say that while a lot more people have taken their advice and gotten their flu shot this season, influenza rates in Calgary are still sky high.

Nearly 50,000 more Albertans got their shot than at this time last year, but the city still leads the way when it comes to confirmed cases of the illness.

Dr. Judy MacDonald says the city leads in hospitalized cases and flu-related deaths too.

There are extra protections in place, for instance, schools are required to notify parents when absenteeism exceeds ten percent because of illness.

MacDonald says that many schools have hit that threshold already, but that’s not unexpected.

“We have lots of outbreak activity going on even in our acute care sites. So, if you’re sick, stay home.”

Officials say that the cases in hospital are mainly from the population who did not get a seasonal flu shot or just didn’t get it in time to be effective.

(With files from Chris Epp)