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Immunization

Getting immunized protects you and those around you from serious and preventable diseases.
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Building a foundation for reducing disease risk and promoting long-term well-being.
Homepage PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

Communicable Disease Control

Supporting the prevention and control of communicable diseases in Alberta.

Who we are

Communicable Disease Control (CDC) is part of Primary Care Alberta. Our work focuses on preventing and controlling communicable diseases which are notifiable under the Alberta Public Health Act. Strategies include preventing infection through teaching and prophylaxis (including immunization); limiting the spread of infections by timely investigation and follow-up; providing data for reporting and public health response measures; and monitoring of communicable diseases in the community.

Our core functions

  • Liaising with the provincial government department of Primary and Preventative Health Services to coordinate immunization policy and notifiable disease management guidelines.
  • Developing and implementing the provincial Immunization Program Standards Manual and the provincial Notifiable Disease and Outbreak Management Department Standard Operating process (DSOP) and reference documents.
  • Following up and reporting on all Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).
  • Providing public health investigation, intervention, and follow-up of notifiable disease events/outbreaks and blood and body fluid exposures.
  • Providing testing, treatment and consultations for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and tuberculosis (TB).

Fiscal year 2024-2025

Enhanced quality and safety of immunization programs delivered in Alberta: 

  • Revisions/updates made to 198 immunization standards and clinical resource/supporting documents.
  • 11 webinars provided to 2,006 participants related to immunizations/vaccines.*
  • 6,146 immunization consultations completed.

Reduced burden and incidence of STIs and TB in Alberta: 

  • Infectious syphilis rates decreased by 26% between 2023 and 2024 for all zones but remain at outbreak levels.
  • 75% of STI contacts were tested and/or treated.
  • In 2024 there were 285 active TB cases reported in Alberta.
  • 79% of TB patients cured or completed treatment within 12 months.
  • 85% of TB patients were cured or completed treatment within 18 months.

Communicable diseases were effectively prevented, managed and reported:  

  • 48 outbreak registered nurses completed notifiable disease training.
  • 27 outbreak registered nurses completed measles contact investigation training.
  • 2,286 outbreak investigations were completed (1,895 for reportable infections).
  • 18,594 notifiable disease investigations were completed including contact investigations.

*Immunizations/vaccines included COVID-19, Pneumococcal 20 and Seasonal Immunization Program including RSV.

Related information

Public Health

Public Health focuses on keeping whole communities healthy by preventing illness and promoting healthy habits.

EXTERNAL LINK

Alberta Public Health Act

The Act defines public health duties, disease control, and responses to epidemics and emergencies.

EXTERNAL LINK

Communicable Diseases Regulation

Disease reporting, animal sale restrictions, and rules for isolation, quarantine, and investigations.
EXTERNAL LINK

Sexual & reproductive health

Information about sexual and reproductive health to make informed, safe decisions.