Walk in, no appointment
Flu shots
Walk in and get your influenza vaccine. Alberta's influenza programme is free for Albertans, and at a pharmacy there is no appointment to book and no waiting room to sit in.
Why bother, honestly
The flu shot is not perfect, and in some years it is a better match for what is circulating than in others. That is a fair criticism and it is worth answering directly.
What it reliably does is reduce how badly you get it. Fewer hospital admissions, fewer complications, and less chance of passing it to somebody whose immune system will handle it far worse than yours. For most people that is the actual argument, not the promise of never catching it.
Worth prioritising if
Everyone can have it. For these groups the case is considerably stronger.
You are 65 or older
Risk of complications rises with age, and a specific vaccine formulation may be available for this group.
You are pregnant
Recommended at any stage, and it passes some protection to the baby for their first months.
You have a chronic condition
Diabetes, heart disease, lung conditions including asthma, kidney disease and a suppressed immune system all raise the risk.
You live with someone vulnerable
Including a baby under six months, who is too young to be vaccinated themselves.
You work with the public or in health care
More exposure, and more people to pass it on to.
While you are here
Flu season is the practical moment to check the rest. Shingles, pneumococcal, tetanus and COVID boosters all tend to drift, and most of them can be given at the same visit.
Ask the pharmacist to look at your record. It takes a minute and it saves a separate trip later.
Common questions
Do I need an appointment for a flu shot?
No. Walk in during opening hours. If you would rather not wait at all, phone ahead and we will tell you when the dispensary is quiet.
Is the flu shot free in Alberta?
Alberta's publicly funded influenza programme provides the vaccine at no cost to eligible Albertans. Bring your Alberta Health card.
When should I get it?
As soon as the season's vaccine is available. Protection takes about two weeks to develop, so earlier is better than waiting for cases to appear.
Can I get a flu shot and another vaccine at the same time?
Usually yes. Ask the pharmacist to check your record, because shingles, pneumococcal and tetanus boosters are commonly due at the same time and can often be given in the same visit.
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No. It contains no live virus that can cause influenza. A sore arm and feeling a bit off for a day are common and are the immune system responding, not an infection.
Can my children have theirs here?
Bring them in and the pharmacist will confirm what is appropriate for their age. Bring their Alberta immunization record if you have it.