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Influenza vaccine

I am not a resident of BC. How do I get an influenza (flu) vaccine?

You can book your influenza vaccine at a pharmacy for a fee. 

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Is it okay for household contacts of pregnant people to get the live-attenuated influenza (flu) vaccine (FluMist®)?
Yes. Household contacts of pregnant people should receive all routine vaccines, including live vaccines, such as the live-attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist®). There is no need for pregnant people to avoid contact with people who recently got a live-attenuated influenza vaccine. However, pregnant people should not get the live-attenuated influenza vaccine; they should get the inactivated influenza vaccine instead.
 
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I did not get an invitation to book an influenza (flu) vaccine appointment, I deleted the invite, I need to reschedule an appointment, I did not receive a booking confirmation, or I need help booking an appointment. What should I do?
You must be registered with the Get Vaccinated system to get an invitation. If you haven't yet received or can't find your invitation, check that your contact information is up to date.
 
If you need help booking an appointment or have other questions about your appointment, call 1-833-838-2323. 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. Statutory holidays: 9 am to 5 pm.
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Will the nasal spray influenza (flu) vaccine be available for kids this year?

Yes, the FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT vaccine (given as a nasal spray) is available for children and youth 2-17 years of age.

This vaccine is a good option for children 2 years of age and older, especially those with needle fear and anxiety. In children, FLUMIST® provides similar protection against influenza as the inactivated influenza vaccines.

When booking an appointment through the Get Vaccinated system, you should have the option of selecting “nasal spray” and only clinics offering the nasal spray (Flumist) vaccine should appear.
 

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Where can I get an influenza vaccine?
Influenza vaccines are available at a wide variety of locations across the province, including many pharmacies, health authority clinics, and some primary-care providers’ offices.
 
The best way to get an influenza vaccine is to book an appointment. If you are already registered with the provincial Get Vaccinated system, you will automatically receive an invitation to book your influenza vaccine online when it's time to book your appointment. If you are not yet registered with the Get Vaccinated system, please register.
 
Although booking through the Get Vaccinated system is the most efficient way to access the vaccines, people can also phone the provincial call centre toll-free at 1 833 838-2323 to book their influenza vaccine. 
 
People living in First Nations communities can contact their community health centre or nursing station to find out how to book an influenza vaccine appointment.
 
Please note: Pharmacists can vaccinate children who are 4 years of age and older with the inactivated influenza vaccine given by injection and 2 years of age and older with the live-attenuated influenza vaccine given as a nasal spray. 
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When are influenza vaccines available in BC?
In BC, influenza (flu) vaccines are usually available in October. 
 
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What are the differences between FLUAD® and FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT influenza vaccines?
FLUAD® and FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT both enhance the immune response to influenza antigens in older adults (making them potentially more effective vaccines for this age group), but they do this in different ways. 
 
FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT contains a four-fold higher antigen content per dose than standard dose influenza vaccines to help create a stronger immune response. It is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning that it protects against four strains of influenza virus. This vaccine is publicly funded (free) for adults 65 years of age and older living in long-term care, assisted living facilities, and First Nations communities. 
 
FLUAD® has the same antigen content per strain as standard formulation influenza vaccines, but contains an adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response. It is a trivalent vaccine, meaning that it protects against three strains of influenza virus.This vaccine is publicly funded for all other adults 65 years of age and older.
 
Both FLUAD® and FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT are given by intramuscular (IM) injection (injected into the deltoid muscle in the upper arm). 
 
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Is one of the enhanced vaccines (FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT and FLUAD®) recommended over the other for adults 65 years of age and older?
No. There is not enough evidence to show that one of these enhanced vaccines is better than the other.  Either of the enhanced vaccines (FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT and FLUAD®) are recommended for adults 65 years of age and older.  
 
Randomized control trials and observational studies have shown that both enhanced influenza vaccines are better than standard-dose unadjuvanted influenza vaccines when it comes to preventing influenza-related hospitalization in adults 65 years of age and older.
 
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I just recovered from COVID-19. Should I wait to get my influenza (flu) vaccine?
You can get the influenza (flu) vaccine any time after having COVID-19. If you are sick or have symptoms like cough or fever, stay home and wait until you feel better to get your vaccine.  
 
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Can I get an influenza vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says that people who are allergic to eggs, including those who have experienced anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergy) after eating eggs, can be safely vaccinated with a full dose of inactivated or live attenuated influenza vaccine. This recommendation is supported by more and more research that shows it is safe to vaccinate people who are allergic to eggs using inactivated or live attenuated influenza vaccines. 

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Can I get the influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Influenza vaccines can be safely given at the same time or any time before or after other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Can I get the influenza vaccine the same day as a TB skin test?
The influenza vaccine can be given at the same time or at any time before or after a TB skin test (Mantoux test) is done. Influenza vaccines will not affect the result of the TB test. 
 
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