Multiple vaccines can be co-administered during your flu shot appointment including:

• Covid-19 Vaccine
  
• Shingles vaccine - 50 years and over
  
• Pneumonia vaccine - 65 years and over AND those 18 and over with chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, COPD).
  
• HPV vaccine - 9 years and over
  
• Meningitis B vaccine - 10 to 25 years of age
  
• TD (Tetanus, diphtheria) - every 10 years for adults
  
• dTap - one dose as an adult

What Infection Prevention and Control Measures are in place?

• Patients will be asked to sanitize their hands with an alcohol based rub prior to receiving their vaccine.
• Cleaning and disinfection of the immunization area (e.g., chairs, table, door handles) after each patient immunization. NOTE: Households can be immunized together.
• Injecting pharmacists will wear protective PPE which includes masks and gloves.
• Routine environmental cleaning, especially in frequently visited areas (e.g., waiting area door handles, washrooms) and on high-touch surfaces after 10 patients.

What to expect at your appointment?

Review what to except when getting your flu shot:

• At the pharmacy:

• • Wear loose clothing with short sleeves.
  • Arrive on time, not early.
  • Limit the number of people going with you.

• Find a safe waiting area post-injection. Patients must remain in the store for 15 minutes post-injection to monitor for anaphylactic reactions.

Review post immunization after care guidance instructions:

• Individuals who receive influenza immunization may experience side effects. These reactions are most often mild, develop within 24 hours and could last 24-48 hours.

Many of the reactions that can occur after the vaccine are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 such as:

• fever and/or chills
• sore throat, cough or runny nose
• feeling tired
• headache or body aches
• poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea

If the symptoms resolve within 48 hours after onset, the individual can return to normal activities, unless they have been instructed to quarantine or isolate for other reasons. If symptoms persist longer than 48 hours, and not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition, individuals must contact Health Link at 811 or complete the online COVID-19 online self-assessment.