The flu season is upon us! Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect against influenza, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well by reducing the spread of the influenza virus.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is especially important to get a flu shot to minimize the risk of getting influenza, which can cause symptoms that are similar to COVID-19. To minimize the risk to our patients and staff, we will be checking for your eligibility and any recent cold-like symptoms prior to booking a flu shot visit for you.
If you haven’t received a flu shot this season, and you meet the criteria below* to receive a free publicly funded flu shot, please visit Public Health, your local pharmacy, or book a visit with our clinic.
We are able to offer publicly funded flu shots by appointment while our flu shot supplies last. Please note that the flu shot appointments are for flu shots specifically. If you need to discuss a medical issue with the doctor, a separate appointment is required.
After the flu shot, please wait in our waiting room for 15 minutes in case of an allergic reaction.
* The following populations are eligible to receive a free publicly funded flu shot:
People at high risk of serious illness from influenza, such as:
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- children 6 months to less than 5 years of age;
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- pregnant women who are at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season;
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- seniors 65 years and older;
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- residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities;
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- Aboriginal people;
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- children and teenagers required to take Aspirin® or ASA for long periods of time due to a medical condition; and
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- children and adults with certain medical conditions, including:
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- heart or lung disorders that require regular medical care, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cystic fibrosis;
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- kidney disease, chronic liver disease such as hepatitis, diabetes, cancer, anemia, or weakened immune system;
- those with health conditions causing difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a risk of choking on food or fluids, such as people with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures or neuromuscular disorders; and
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- children and adults with certain medical conditions, including:
- those who are very obese.
People able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk of serious illness from influenza including:
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- household contacts of people at high risk;
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- household contacts, caregivers and daycare staff of children under 5 years of age;
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- doctors, nurses and others working in healthcare settings who have contact with patients;
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- visitors to health care facilities and other patient care locations
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- people who live or work in confined settings, such as correctional facilities; and
- those who provide care or service to people at high risk in potential outbreak settings such as cruise ships.
Other groups who are also eligible to receive the flu shot for free include:
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- people who provide essential community services such as police officers, firefighters and ambulance attendants; and
- farmers and other people who work with live poultry.
Read more about the flu shot here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/inactivated-influenza-vaccine