Flu Shot
Make the most of your health and wellness.
Updated: September 29, 2022
COMING SOON!
Planning is underway for our 2022-2023 Flu Vaccinations programs. Please see below for province specific updates.
British Columbia
** BC’S PROVINCIAL FLU VACCINE PROGRAM STARTS – TUES. OCT 11 (BY APPOINTMENT) **
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines will be available in pharmacies in October. Patients will have the choice to receive flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine at their appointment, when stock is available. All appointments for public flu vaccines must be booked through the BC Get Vaccinated booking system. This is the same system used for COVID-19 vaccinations. You will receive an invitation for influenza AND COVID-19 booster doses by priority group in the coming weeks.
For BC flu and COVID-19 vaccine program updates and priority group announcements visit https://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated
For more information about all the flu vaccines in BC, visit Influenza (flu) | Immunize BC
*** COMING SOON – PRIVATE PAY FLU VACCINES ***
Fluzone HD™ (high dose) for ages 65 years and over ---- $80
This flu vaccine for adults ages 65 years and over, contains 4 times the amount of influenza antigen for an enhanced immune response.
Fluzone HD™is not included in the BC public vaccine program for the general public. It will be used for those people 65 years and over living in long-term care, assisted living facilities, and First Nations communities (access to these vaccines must be arranged through public health).
For others wanting to receive Fluzone HD™, it will be available to purchase at the pharmacy.
Coverage may be available with private insurance plans.
Appointments for Fluzone HD™ will be made through the London Drugs online booking system or by asking your local London Drugs pharmacist.
More information about Fluzone HD™ visit Influenza (flu) | Immunize BC or About Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent (vaccines.sanofi)
Appointments may be booked through the London Drugs booking system.
Supemtek™, recombinant flu vaccine, for ages 18 years and over ----- $60
This flu vaccine for adults ages 18 years and over, contains 3 times the amount of influenza antigen and uses recombinant technology for an enhanced immune response
Supemtek™ is not included in the BC public vaccine program.
For others wanting to receive Supemtek™ it will be available to purchase at the pharmacy
Coverage may be available with private insurance plans.
Supemtek™, is suitable for those who are immunocompromised, people wanting a non-egg based influenza vaccine, or others aged 18 years+ who want an enhanced flu vaccine.
More information about Supemtek and recombinant influenza vaccines can be found on the Government of Canada website: Recombinant Influenza Vaccines or About Supemtek™ (vaccines.sanofi)
Alberta
** ALBERTA’S PROVINCIAL FLU VACCINE PROGRAM STARTS – MON. OCT 17 **
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines will be available in pharmacies in October. Patients will have the choice to receive flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine at their appointment, when stock is available.
Appointments may be booked online through the London Drugs booking system, the Alberta Vaccine Booking System (AVBS) or by calling 811. Booking links coming soon…
Watch for updates and flu information visit Influenza Immunization | Alberta Health Services
Saskatchewan
** SASKATCHEWAN’S PROVINCIAL FLU VACCINE PROGRAM STARTS – TUES. OCT 11 **
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines will be available in pharmacies in October. Patients will have the choice to receive flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine at their appointment, when stock is available.
Appointments may be booked through the London Drugs booking system.
For updated Saskatchewan flu vaccination information visit Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Immunization Program | Accessing Health Care Services in Saskatchewan | Government of Saskatchewan
Manitoba
** MANITOBA’S PROVINCIAL FLU VACCINE PROGRAM STARTS – MON.OCT 24**
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines will be available in pharmacies in October. Patients will have the choice to receive flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine at their appointment, when stock is available.
Appointments may be booked by calling the store at 204-253-2696 or ask at the pharmacy.
For updated Manitoba flu and Covid-19 vaccination information visit Seasonal Flu - #ProtectMB
What is a Flu Shot?
A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu and prevent its spread. Flu season generally occurs during the fall, winter and early spring. A flu shot is administered by a London Drugs Certified Injection Pharmacist.
Everyone is at risk of getting the flu. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months, including those who are healthy, but people at high risk of complications from the flu are young children, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with a chronic health condition. You can refer here for more information.
It's important to note that flu viruses change each year, and experts create a new vaccine to protect you each flu season:
the viruses in the flu shot are either killed or weakened and cannot give you the flu
most people don’t have reactions to the flu shot; those who do may have soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
severe reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare
How the flu spreads
The flu spreads very easily from person to person. Even before you notice symptoms, you may spread the virus to others. If you have the virus, you can spread it by talking, sneezing, or coughing. These actions contain tiny droplets that release the flu virus into the air. You can become infected if these droplets land on your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Some people are more likely to spread the flu to those at high risk of complications. They include:
caregivers
child care providers
healthcare providers
family and other household members
those who provide services in closed or relatively closed settings to people at high risk
