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Get Your Flu Shot

If you are eligible for a free flu shot, contact your physician or local health unit (phone numbers are listed on the right-hand side of this page) to schedule an appointment. You may also visit a flu clinic listed below. 

Please read our Influenza Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions we receive.

If you are a VIHA employee or staff member, please check the VIHA Staff Flu page.

Find a Public Flu Clinic

Clinic times are subject to change. Please check this page often.

South Island: Greater Victoria, Sooke, Saanich, Gulf Islands

Central Island: Duncan, Cowichan Valley, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Qualicum, Port Alberni westward

North Island: Courtenay, Campbell River, Gold River, communities north of Campbell River

For all regions in BC, check ImmunizeBC's Flu Locator or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

Please bring your Care Card to the flu clinic.

Eligibility

The seasonal flu vaccine is provided free of charge to the following groups:

    • People 65 years of age and over and their caregivers
    • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts
    • Health care workers
    • Emergency responders
    • Healthy children aged 6-23 months
    • Household contacts and caregivers of infants aged 0 - 23 months
    • Pregnant women who will be in their 3rd trimester during the influenza season
    • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
    • Owners and operators of poultry farms
    • Aboriginal peoples
    • People who are very obese (those with a body mass index of 40 or greater)
    • Corrections officers and inmates in provincial correctional institutions
    • Those who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (e.g. crew on ships)

If you do not meet the above criteria for a free flu shot, please contact your family physician or local pharmacy about vaccine availability and cost.

Although we recommend you get the vaccine early to protect yourself throughout the flu season, the vaccine is available until April from family physicians, Public Health Units and some pharmacies.

Consent forms for adults incapable of providing consent

If you are a caregiver to an adult who is assessed as incapable of giving informed consent to be immunized, you will need to fill out the consent form:

Consent for Influenza Vaccine for Adults Assessed as Incapable of Giving Informed Consent (pdf)

Additional consent forms can be found on the right hand side of the BCCDC - Vaccines in BC page.

Please complete forms in advance of your client or loved one going to a flu clinic to receive their flu immunization. You may complete the forms electronically or print them off and complete it by hand.

What you can do to stay healthy and avoid the flu:

  • Get immunized.
  • Stay home when you’re sick or have influenza symptoms.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Do not cough or sneeze into your hands - use your upper arm or a tissue.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers.