Flu Shot (BC)

BC Update: April 1, 2026

Flu vaccines may still be available at select pharmacies while supplies last.

If you have not received a flu vaccine this season (October 2025 to present) and would like one, please contact your local London Drugs pharmacy to enquire about appointment options. Flu vaccine availability is limited at the end of the season. If you are unable to find a vaccine you can call BC Get Vaccinated 1-833-838-2323 for information on alternative locations.

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 public (free) flu vaccine at the pharmacy individuals 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

  • Children 6 months to 3 years can receive a flu vaccine at public health clinics

• 2 years to 59 years of age for nasal spray flu vaccine (limited availability)

Visitors to BC or individuals without a valid BC Services Card

Call BC Get Vaccinated 1-833-838-2323 to enquire about appointment availability and locations

Children receiving their first flu vaccine this year:

The flu vaccine is usually given as a single dose each flu season starting in October of each year. Children under 9 years of age who have never had a seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine require 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. Older children only need one dose.

Available Flu Vaccines

• Ages 4 to 64 years – Public (free) standard flu vaccine

• Ages 65 years and older

  • Public (free) – Fluad® adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine

  • Private pay – Fluzone® High Dose trivalent flu vaccine (select locations)

• Needleless option for ages 2 to 59 years

  • Flumist® - public (free) live-attenuated trivalent nasal spray flu vaccine (limited supply available)

Information about High Dose Flu Vaccine (Fluzone® HD) - Ages 65 years and older **PRIVATE PAY**

• Public (free) flu vaccines for people age 65 years and over in BC will be Fluad®, an enhanced trivalent flu vaccine that includes an adjuvant to boost the immune response. Both vaccines are recommended for adults age 65 years and older.

• Fluzone® HD (high dose) is not included in the 2025-2026 BC free public flu vaccine program but will be available for purchase at the pharmacy if preferred. Private insurance coverage may be available.

• Fluzone® HD vaccine is a trivalent flu vaccine that contains four times the amount of influenza antigen compared to a standard dose flu vaccine for an enhanced immune response in adults 65 years and older.

• Both Fluad® and Fluzone® HD flu vaccines are recommended for adults age 65 years and older. There is no strong evidence to suggest that one product is superior to the other according to Canada’s NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization). Standard flu vaccines may also be offered when these enhanced vaccines are not available, or if patient prefers.

• Appointments for Fluzone® HD can be booked by speaking to a pharmacy team member

• If you have questions about your flu vaccine options, speak to a London Drugs pharmacist.

BC Public Health Resources

• Access your BC Health Records at

  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/health-gateway

• Influenza Vaccines:

  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/influenza-flu-season