Receiving an influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent community spread
London Drugs has announced its annual flu immunization program will be available at all of its 79 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, starting in mid-October.
As more people are drawn inside due to cooler weather, cases of the flu rise during the fall, winter, and early spring. The best possible way to prevent community spread and to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza is with an annual immunization shot. Flu shots are administered by certified injection pharmacists and nurses at all locations by appointment. Drop-in appointment availability varies by location.
With the new COVID Bivalent vaccination also available, it is recommended that those eligible for their next COVID booster, get both vaccinations during the same appointment.
“We encourage everyone to register and book their flu vaccine as soon as possible through provincial government websites, or to book online at londondrugs.com/flu as it is the best way to prevent community spread and protect your loved ones. Our vaccination clinics are available across all 79 stores in Western Canada,” said Chris Chiew, vice president of pharmacy and healthcare innovation. “As a trusted healthcare provider, London Drugs has an obligation to ensure the health and safety of our customers, our employees, and their families.”
The publicly funded vaccine (PFV) for flu is provided at no charge to all British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba residents. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), recommends that an influenza vaccine should be offered annually to anyone 6 months of age and older who does not have a contraindication to the vaccine. It is particularly recommended for people at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization, people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk, people who provide essential community services, and people in direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza during culling operations.
The flu shot can be administered at pharmacies in British Columbia for ages 4 years and up, in Alberta and Saskatchewan for ages 5 years and up and in Manitoba for ages 7 years and up. For children younger than this, it is recommended to visit a family physician or a local health unit.
Get a flu shot, give a life-saving vaccine:
Customers who receive their influenza vaccination at London Drugs will play an active role in helping to protect tens of thousands of the world’s most vulnerable children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Through a partnership with I Boost Immunity (IBI), a Canadian-based online immunization advocacy network, for every flu shot administered at London Drugs, a lifesaving vaccine will be donated to UNICEF Canada to immunize children in a developing country.
To book your appointment in Alberta:
- The Government of Alberta has announced that flu vaccine appointments are available starting on October 17th.
- Vaccine appointments may be booked at londondrugs.com/flu, or by using the Alberta Vaccine Booking System (AVBS)
- Fluzone HD (high dose) for seniors ages 65 years and over, is included in the provincial program and is provided at no charge to residents of Alberta.
- Walk in appointments may be available when supply allows.
To book your appointment in Saskatchewan:
- The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that flu vaccine appointments are available starting on October 11th.
- New this year, Fluzone HD (high dose) for seniors ages 65 years and over, is included in the provincial program and is provided at no charge to residents of Saskatchewan.
- Vaccine appointments may be booked at londondrugs.com/flu
- Walk in appointments may be available when supply allows.
To book your appointment in Manitoba:
- The Government of Manitoba has announced that flu vaccine appointments are available starting October 24th.
- New this year, Fluzone HD (high dose) for seniors ages 65 years and over, is included in the provincial program and is provided at no charge to residents of Manitoba.
- Vaccine appointments may be booked by visiting or phoning the pharmacy.
Booking a flu immunization in British Columbia:
- The Government of British Columbia has announced that flu vaccine appointments are available starting on October 11th.
- New this year, flu shot appointments must be booked using the BC Get Vaccinated booking system. This is the same system used to book COVID-19 appointments. To register to be notified when you can book a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine visit www.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated
- Provincially covered (free) vaccines include Fluad® adjuvanted vaccine for seniors ages 65 years and over, standard dose flu vaccine for ages 6 mos and over and Flumist® nasal spray flu vaccine for anyone up to age 59 who has a fear of needles.
- Fluzone HD® (high dose) flu vaccine and Supemtek™ recombinant flu vaccine are available to purchase at the pharmacy. They are not included in the provincial vaccination program for the general public.
- For information on how to book all flu vaccines in BC, visit londondrugs.com/flu
For more information about the London Drugs flu immunization program, or to book an appointment, click here.
About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs sells to every province and territory in Canada through its online store www.londondrugs.com and has 79 physical stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. London Drugs offers customers a range of products from personal protection equipment for pandemic safety to digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 9,000 people with pharmacy and health care services at the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring Canadian company that supports Canadian brands and continues to position itself for future growth and development.
Social media:
Facebook: /LondonDrugs
Twitter: @LondonDrugs
Instagram: @LondonDrugs
Further information
Louise Stoddart