Influenza (Flu) Vaccines

Visit the Immunize BC Influenza Clinic Locator to find an influenza immunization provider offering flu shot appointments near you. Healthy adults are encouraged to get their flu shot from a local pharmacy, health-care provider or First Nation community health nurse, where possible.

Our public health immunization clinics are by appointment only. We have limited appointments and will prioritize:

• Children 12 and under and their immediate family members
• Those with pre-existing health conditions

Protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza by getting your flu shot and preventing the spread of germs. It’s important that those who have loved ones that are most at risk of complications from influenza get vaccinated. This will help to build a wall of protection around your loved one and reduce their chances of acquiring influenza illness. Getting a flu shot provides immunity for your community too!

The people at the greatest risk of influenza-related complications, and therefore recommended to get the flu shot, are adults and children with pre-existing health conditions, residents of community care homes and other chronic care facilities, people 65 years of age and older, children under 60 months of age, pregnant people and Aboriginal peoples. 

It’s important to get a flu shot every year because influenza viruses change year to year. Each year, the vaccine is updated to include the current viruses that are expected to be in our communities.

The flu shot offers protection against different strains of influenza viruses (A & B). The flu shot strains include two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. The four strains included in the 2021/22 flu shot are:

• A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
• A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus
• B/Washington/02/2019-like virus
• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus

Influenza spreads easily from person to person through breathing, coughing and sneezing. The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze and then touches their eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. Symptoms of influenza may include fever, aches, extreme tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, a runny nose, sore throat and cough. The most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza is by getting the influenza vaccine, staying home when sick, and washing your hands regularly.

Visit healthlink.ca to find out more about influenza.

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is available any time of the year for those 65 and older and others who are at high risk for pneumococcal infection.

Visit ImmunizeBC to find out more about pneumococcal disease.