Survey suggests 4 in 10 Albertans will skip COVID-19, flu vaccinations this fall

New survey data is projecting that fewer Albertans will be rolling up their sleeves for immunizations this fall, suggesting that "vaccine fatigue" is stronger than ever in the province.

New survey data is projecting that fewer Albertans will be rolling up their sleeves for immunizations this fall, suggesting that "vaccine fatigue" is stronger than ever in the province.

The poll, conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), suggested that 57 per cent of Albertans are tired of the calls to be vaccinated.

The survey said after several consecutive years of intense focus on vaccines during the pandemic, "some Albertans may be inclined to tune out this year."

It also found that four in 10 Albertans aren't interested in receiving the seasonal flu shot this year, with Quebec (52 per cent) being the only other province less interested in getting jabbed.

When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, two in five Albertans say they won't be getting it.

Pharmacists said the data is concerning because being immunized is "critical" for protecting yourself and others from getting seriously ill.

"The threat of respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID, are still very much a concern," said Christine Antler, veteran pharmacist and regional director of pharmacy for Pharmasave, in a statement.