You are here

Immunize BC > Resources

FAQ

Select a category from the dropdown menu to browse frequently asked questions by topic, or search the entire FAQ or a specific category by keyword.

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. 

Shareable link
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.
 
Shareable link
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.
Shareable link
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.
 

Shareable link
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. 
Shareable link
When are influenza vaccines available in BC?
In BC, influenza (flu) vaccines are usually available in October. 
 
Shareable link
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.  
 
Shareable link
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.

Shareable link
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. 
 
Shareable link

Did you find what you were looking for? If not, suggest a question for our team to answer.