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EDMONTON — Alberta is urging residents to prepare for respiratory virus season by getting vaccinated against influenza, RSV and COVID-19 where eligible, while also opening pre-orders for next year’s seasonal vaccines.
Beginning Oct. 5, Albertans can pre-order seasonal vaccines online for the 2027-28 respiratory virus season. Pre-orders will be accepted until Dec. 18.
The province says pre-ordering does not confirm eligibility or reserve an appointment. People who pre-order will receive a text message or email when appointment booking opens, with instructions on how to book.
Albertans do not need to use the pre-order system to receive a vaccine.
The province says the system is intended to help reduce vaccine waste and provide information to support planning and distribution for the season.
For the current 2026-27 respiratory virus season, Albertans are being encouraged to speak with their primary care provider about which vaccines are appropriate for them.
For most people seeking a COVID-19 vaccination, an appointment can be booked if it has been at least three months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Children between six months and 11 years of age can receive COVID-19 vaccinations through a public health or community health centre. Families can book by calling Health Link at 811 or contacting their local public health or community health centre.
Albertans six months of age and older are also encouraged to receive an influenza vaccine each year. The flu vaccine is available free of charge to all residents.
Seniors, pregnant women, young children, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, and those with chronic health conditions are among those considered at higher risk of severe illness from influenza.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is another common seasonal virus affecting the airways and lungs. Most infections cause mild, cold-like symptoms, but the virus can lead to serious illness in infants, young children, older adults and people with some health conditions.
The province says RSV season usually begins in late fall and continues through the spring.
Alberta is also reminding residents that not every respiratory illness requires a trip to an emergency department, helping ensure emergency services remain available for people who need them most.
Other precautions include staying home when sick, washing or sanitizing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching the face and regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
Alberta also maintains an online respiratory virus dashboard tracking influenza, RSV and COVID-19 activity across the province.
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