Flu Shot (BC)
Make the most of your health and wellness.
BC Update: Dec 19, 2022
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are still available in select locations while supplies last.
Appointments are best booked through the BC Get Vaccinated booking systemto ensure your desired location has the vaccines you are looking for. While booking, you can choose to receive flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines at your appointment.
** Drop-in appointments may be possible on scheduled clinic days while supplies last.
Need a booking link or help making an appointment? Call Get Vaccinated at 1-833-838-2323. Translators available.
In BC, pharmacies can immunize children of the following ages:
Influenza vaccine nasal spray - ages 2 years and over
Influenza vaccine injection – ages 4 years and over
COVID-19 vaccines – ages 12 years and over
Visitors from out of province or from other countries:
Call Get Vaccinated at 1-833-838-2323 to book free flu or COVID-19 vaccinations. Free registration with the Get Vaccinated system is required. To determine appropriate COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility and timing, previous COVID-19 vaccinations can be uploaded https://www.immunizationrecord.gov.bc.ca
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 Gov BC Fall Booster Program
Private Pay Flu Vaccine for Seniors
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 free public flu vaccine program for the general public. This year in BC it was only offered to 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 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 Fluzone HD™ visit Influenza (flu) | Immunize BC or About Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent (vaccines.sanofi)Appointments for Fluzone HD™ can be booked by phone or in-person at your local London Drugs. ** While supplies last **
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
