Get immunized to prevent Influenza

Why get an influenza immunization

An influenza immunization (flu shot) won’t prevent COVID-19 but it will reduce your chances of getting sick with influenza (flu) or spreading it to others.

All Albertans 6 months and older are encouraged to get an influenza immunization. It’s especially important for seniors and people with chronic health conditions as they have a higher risk of severe complications.



By keeping influenza counts low, we can:

make sure our health care system has capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

let health care workers focus on treating people with other illnesses and injuries

reduce outbreaks in care facilities

The vaccine is available free of charge and should be available to all Albertans by mid-October.

Where to get an influenza immunization

AHS public health clinics/sites, and some doctors’ offices if 6 months old and older.

public health clinics/sites, and some doctors’ offices if 6 months old and older. Pharmacies if 5 years old or older.

Provincially funded long-term care facilities will offer a high-dose influenza vaccine to residents 65 years old and older.

Learn how to book an influenza immunization appointment online for your family if you have a child under 5 years old.

How to get immunized safely

Stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and complete the AHS online assessment.

Follow safety protocols: wear a mask, wash your hands, stay 2 metres apart when possible.

Make an appointment at your pharmacy, physician clinic or public health site and arrive as close to the appointment time as you can.

Fill out forms online when possible.

Staff and volunteers at clinics and venues offering influenza immunization must follow their employer’s policies for COVID-19 screening.