Flu Shot (BC)
Make the most of your health and wellness.
BC's free public provincial flu vaccine program started Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
(by appointment*)
*Walk-in requests may be accommodated subject to availability.
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines are now available in pharmacies. The BC public vaccine program is free for the general public. 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. They will send you an invitation for influenza AND COVID-19 booster doses in the coming weeks.
If you have not received your invitation you can call Get Vaccinated at 1-833-838-2323. For BC flu and COVID-19 vaccine program updates, visit Gov BC Fall Booster Program
For more information about all the flu vaccines in BC, visit Influenza (flu) | Immunize BC
Private pay flu vaccines are now available
Fluzone HD™ (high dose) option for ages 65 years and over: $80 - *Walk-in requests may be accommodated subject to availability.
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 free public flu 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 for Fluzone HD™ can be booked through the London Drugs booking system.
Supemtek™ recombinant flu vaccine option, 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 free B.C. public flu 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)
Appointments for Supemtek™ can be booked through the London Drugs booking system.
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
Who is eligible for a flu shot at London Drugs?
The flu shot can be administered at all London Drugs locations:
in B.C. for ages 4 years and up (or Flumist nasal spray flu vaccine for ages 2 years and over, where available).
in Alberta and Saskatchewan, for ages 5 years and up.
in Manitoba, for ages 7 years and up. The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose. 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.
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
