November 18, 2022
EDMONTON — Three new virtual innovations are making influenza information and other health supports more accessible for Albertans.
To share information about influenza, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has launched an online Ask an Expert page. Through the page, Albertans can submit common questions about influenza vaccine and virus and receive responses from AHS medical officers of health (MOH) within two working days. All MOH responses will be posted on the page to form a larger community of information sharing. Note: this page cannot be used for personal medical advice or individual health assessments. For non-urgent health assessment, Albertans are encouraged to call Health Link at 811.
Health Link has also added a new Virtual Hold feature to its nursing call line, which will address the service’s increased call volume and ensure Albertans can easily access health advice from an 811 registered nurse. Through this feature, Albertans can request a call back, instead of waiting on hold, when there is a queue for Health Link 811 nurse advice. Albertans will receive a call back from a Health Link registered nurse as soon as their turn in the queue comes up.
In addition, Albertans can now text the word ‘flu’ to 88111 and receive information on influenza vaccine and illness by text. This ensures information is available to those who are more comfortable with text or prefer not to call Health Link for influenza information. As always, information on Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines is also available at ahs.ca/vaccine.
“Alberta’s government supports AHS in its leveraging of virtual and digital technologies,” says Jason Copping, Minister of Health. “Innovations like these empower Albertans in managing their health and help them feel connected with the healthcare system at all times.”
“AHS is focused on improving the efficiency of our healthcare system and increasing Albertans’ access to care, connecting them to safe, high-quality healthcare regardless of where they are located,” adds Dr. Jonathan Choy, Senior Medical Director of Virtual Care, Access, and Navigation.
To learn more about innovative models of care delivery connecting Albertans with information and healthcare across the province, please visit the Virtual Health webpage.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
