Agriflu will soon be used in the province again after Alberta Health suspended the flu shot earlier this month.

“The Health Canada review has re-confirmed that the Agriflu vaccine is safe and effective to use as part of our influenza immunization program,” said Dr. Martin Lavoie, Alberta’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We have been assured by federal officials that the suspension of the vaccine was the result of one batch of vaccine that contained protein flakes and that this batch never left the manufacturing plant. Now that the suspension has been lifted, we can make the Agriflu vaccine available through public health clinics, physicians and pharmacists.”

The Health Canada review was launched after protein flakes could be seen floating in a batch of the medicine made by Novartis.

“It’s important that all Albertans get the flu shot, not only to protect themselves but others in their family and their community who may be vulnerable to severe complications from the flu,” said Minister of Health Fred Horne. “I strongly encourage everyone to take the time to get immunized as soon as possible so more Albertans can stay healthy this year.”

Agriflu makes up 22 per cent of the province’s total supply.