Get your flu shot
Your pharmacist owner affiliated with Familiprix offers a flu vaccination service.
This year, the flu shot will be given mainly in pharmacies.
The flu vaccine is an excellent method to prevent the spread of influenza. It is recommended that you get vaccinated each year before the first outbreak.
When you get the vaccine, not only do you protect yourself, you also protect family members and those around you who are unable to get the vaccine (such as very young children).
You can book a vaccine appointment at participating Familiprix branches on the Clic Santé website.
Young children and their families
Young children are more vulnerable than healthy adults. By vaccinating the whole family, we provide optimal protection.
Older people
Older people have a higher risk of developing complications related to influenza. Vaccination is highly recommended for this population.
Pregnant women
The risks are higher during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and if the woman has concomitant illnesses. Vaccination is required in order to protect herself and her unborn child.
Vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially:
- Healthcare workers
- People who spend time with those with high risks of complications
- People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart problems, etc.)
How to recognize flu symptoms
The flu is often mistaken for a cold. Although the symptoms are similar, the common cold is more frequent and commonplace than the flu. Common symptoms of influenza are:
| Symptoms* | Flu | Cold | COVID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common Sudden onset Temperature between 38°C and 40°C (entre 100, 4°F et 104°F) | Rare | Common |
| Cough | Common with sudden onset | Common, but light to moderate with expectoration (phlegm) | Common going up to breathing difficulties |
| Headache | Common and often severe | Rare | Possible |
| Aches and pains | Common and often severe | Rare | Possible |
| Fatigue | Common and severe Duration: A few days or more | Common, but mild | Possible |
| Nausea and vomiting | Common, but mild | Rare | Rare |
| New loss of smell or taste | Possible Sudden onset | Rare | Rare |
| Stuffy and runny nose | Rare | Common | Possible |
| Sneezing | Rare | Common | Possible |
| Mal de gorge | Common | Common | Possible |
Source :World Health Organization
The flu vaccine – Are you concerned about side effects?
Although the decision to be vaccinated is personal, the benefits are wide-reaching to everyone around you. Indeed, beyond your own protection, vaccines also protect your parents, children, relatives, co-workers and all others who are either too young or too sick to receive vaccines, or for whom vaccines have not been effective.
Preparing yourself for vaccination
You and your family member’s flu vaccination appointments are scheduled to occur soon. Several questions may come to mind as you approach your appointment date:
Flu season preparedness and safety measures
The coming winter season also brings the return of colds and the flu. Are you sick and wondering if you have a cold or the flu? Read on to get more details!
Vaccination, allaitement et grossesse
It is recommended that all pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, be vaccinated against the flu during periods of influenza activity (typically during wintertime). Pregnant women are more at risk for flu-related complications than other women, especially as the pregnancy progresses or if the woman has a chronic illness.