Flu Shot (BC)
Make the most of your health and wellness.
BC Update: October 10, 2023
The BC public flu campaign is now underway as of Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Appointments for public (free) flu vaccines:
Public flu and COVID-19 vaccines are to be booked through the BC Get Vaccinated Booking System. Invitations will be sent over the next several weeks by email, text, or phone call to those who are registered. The first invitations will be sent by priority groups starting with people at risk of serious illness, chronic health conditions, people 65 years and older, and healthcare workers.
For registration information visit BC Get Vaccinated Booking System
**Walk-in requests may be accommodated subject to availability **
Appointments for Private Pay Flu Vaccine for Seniors:
Private pay high dose flu vaccine appointments will be available soon (see booking link above, or contact your local London Drugs). We will open appointments as soon as stock arrives at the pharmacy (early October). To get on our waitlist click on the Fluzone HD booking link above or contact your local London Drugs pharmacy.
High Dose Flu Vaccines (Fluzone HD™) for ages 65 years and over: $80
contains 4 times the amount of influenza antigen for an enhanced immune response
Fluzone HD™is not included in the BC free public flu vaccine program, except for those living in long-term care, assisted living facilities, and First Nations communities (access to these vaccines must be arranged through public health)
For other seniors wanting to receive Fluzone HD™, it is available to purchase at the pharmacy.
Coverage may be available with private insurance plans.
More information about flu vaccines for seniors visit Influenza (flu) | Immunize BC
Appointments for Fluzone HD™ can be booked online, by phone or in-person at your local London Drugs. ** While supplies last **
Public (free) flu vaccines for seniors in BC include standard dose flu vaccine and flu vaccine with an adjuvant for enhanced immune response.
Talk to your London Drugs pharmacist to discuss which flu vaccines are recommended for you.
Canada’s National Advisory Committee for Immunization (NACI) recommends that the influenza vaccine should be offered annually to anyone 6 months of age and older who does not have a contradiction to the vaccine.
To receive a free (public) flu vaccine at the pharmacy you must be:
A resident of BC with a valid BC Services Card
Registered with the BC Get Vaccinated System
4 years of age and older for injectable flu vaccine
2 years of age and older for nasal spray flu vaccine (limited availability)
The flu vaccine is usually given as 1 dose per flu season starting in October of each year. Children under 9 years of age who have never had a seasonal influenza vaccine need 2 doses. The second dose of vaccine is important to raise their level of protection and should be given 4 weeks after the first dose.
For information about influenza illness and the flu vaccines offered in BC, visit Influenza (flu) | Immunize BC
For BC Flu and COVID-19 vaccine program updates, visit the BC COVID-19 Information website