Flu vaccines are inactive, small pieces of the influenza virus. Their exposure to the body allows the immune system to recognize it, and thus develop defensive antibody cells to fight the virus upon future encounters. Research is done constantly on the changing shapes and types of vaccines globally, and scientists predict which strains will be the most dominant for each season, allowing more effective vaccinations before people are maximally exposed during flu season.

Traditional flu vaccines (called “trivalent” vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional virus.

Our pharmacists are trained and able to provide flu vaccinations to BC residents aged 5 and older.

BC residents may receive the vaccination for free if they qualify under the following criteria found here:

Different travel destinations have varying health requirements or dangers, and it is crucial for travellers to be prepared. The best time to consult a health practitioner before your trip is at least 4-6 weeks prior, as some medications require several weeks to become active. The information important to travellers and their medications include, but are not limited to: the specific area within a country, the length of a trip, activities during the trip, and other general information such as medication history, age, and current medical state.

Come talk to us today to best address your immunization needs.

For regularly updated information on world vaccination requirements, please refer to: