Influenza Vaccinations

If you’re interested in getting the flu shot to protect against the Influenza A or B virus, your Conway’s pharmacist provides this service. The flu shot helps prevent against developing influenza-related illness. You and any family members who are five years of age or older can get the annual influenza vaccine from your Conway’s pharmacist. For children under the age of five, please speak to your primary healthcare provider about vaccination.

About The Flu

The flu is spread easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Influenza season typically runs from mid-October to the end of April. The flu is marked by the sudden onset of a headache, cough, fever, body aches, and weakness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur, especially in young children.

Both children and adults may be infected with the influenza virus. Individuals at risk of serious complications include young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with ongoing health conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

Flu Vaccination Facts

  • Flu outbreaks can occur as early as October. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity. The earlier you get the vaccine, the better.
  • Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers. Approximately 2,400 Ontario pharmacies will offer the flu shot annually.
  • The flu shot is safe for pregnant women. Influenza immunization is safe and is recommended for the health of the pregnant mother and to provider her baby with immunity in the first six months of life.
  • People who get the flu shot are less likely to get the flu than someone not vaccinated. If you get the flu after receiving the shot, our illness will likely be milder.
  • The flu does not “skip years.” Up to 20 per cent of Canadians contract influenza each year; 12,000 are hospitalized with the flu and 3,500 will die from the flu.
  • The flu shot works! Up to 80 per cent of influenza cases are prevented by the flu shot.

Talk To Us

For more information about the flu and prevention, treatment and vaccination, talk to your Conway’s pharmacist.

Additional Resources

There has been much discussion about the flu in society. Here are some additional resources for you to consider: