Influenza (Flu)

​What Is Influenza? • Protect Yourself from the Flu • Getting a Flu Vaccine • Flu Vaccine FAQs • Resources

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What Is Influenza?

Influenza, also called the flu, is an infection of the upper airway caused by a flu virus. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, headache, runny nose, sore throat and a dry cough. Flu outbreaks usually happen in late fall and winter. – from Influenza (Seasonal Flu) on HealthLinkBC

Each year many people get sick with the flu, which can lead to more serious health problems such as pneumonia. The flu season can be especially risky for our Elders, young ones and those with health challenges.

Protect Yourself ​from the Flu 

The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine.

Flu vaccines are safe and effective for First Nations people. When you get vaccinated against the flu, you are protecting yourself and helping to protect others in your community. 

  • Herd Immunity (video, 1.06 mins) – illustrates how vaccination reduces the spread of disease

Here are some other ways to avoid getting the flu and keep yourself healthy:

  • wash your hands
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • sneeze (or cough) into a tissue or your sleeve
  • throw tissues out right away
  • keep household and work surfaces clean
  • keep your distance from people who are sick
  • if you are feeling sick, stay home

Flu Protectio​​​​n Posters

Getting a Flu​​​ Vaccine

Influenza season generally occurs during the fall, winter and early spring. On average, it starts in November and lasts until March. Influenza vaccines start to arrive in BC in early October.

If you have a Get Vaccinated system account, you will be notified when you are eligible to book your next appointment. If you have not yet registered, you can visit the webpage to get set up in the system.

During the Influenza (flu) season, flu vaccines are free for all BC residents, including First Nations people living either in community (i.e. on reserve) or away from home. You will be able to get the flu vaccine at your health centre or nursing station, your doctor's office or your local pharmacy during Flu season.

Flu Vaccine FAQs​​​​

  • What do I need to know about this year's flu season?

  • Who should get a flu shot?

  • What are the benefits of getting a flu shot?

  • Can I get a flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine?

  • Is the flu shot safe?

  • Is the flu shot free?

  • Are there any additional precautions I can take?

  • Where can I get a flu shot?

As in every flu season, it is important to get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of flu for yourself, your family and your community.

Cases of the flu were relatively low in BC last year due to strong flu vaccination rates and public health measures that were taken to stop the spread of COVID-19.​

This shows that we can prevent flu-related illnesses (and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths) if we all take preventative measures. These preventative measures include getting a flu shot, regular handwashing, staying home when sick and wearing masks.

Everyone who is six months and older should get a flu shot! However, the flu shot is particularly important for those who are most at risk for flu-related illness, including Elders, infants and young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. It's also recommended for healthy people who live with, care for, or visit those most at risk.

Due to many social and environmental factors, including a high risk of chronic health conditions occurring and reduced access to health care, First Nations people are at a higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death when they experience the flu or COVID-19.​

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and even death. Everyone is at risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others. Getting immunized helps protect you and those around you by reducing the spread.

Yes, you can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine or any time before or after.

The flu shot is safe for all ages and health conditions. The vaccines have undergone a rigorous review to ensure they are safe and effective before they are approved by Health Canada.

The flu shot is free to all BC residents, including First Nations and Indigenous people both on and off-reserve.

Yes, as well as getting a flu shot, you can follow public health recommendations. These regular handwashing, staying home when sick, wearing masks and physical distancing.

Influenza season generally occurs during the fall, winter and early spring. On average it starts in November and lasts until March. Influenza vaccines start to arrive in BC in early October.

If you have a Get Vaccinated System​ account, you will be notified when you are eligible to book your next appointment. If you have not yet registered, you can visit the webpage to register.​​

​​Resource​​​s

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​​If You Feel Unwell

If you start to feel unwell, it can be hard to determine if you are sick because of the flu virus or COVID-19. 

The flu and COVID-19 have some of the same symptoms. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, headache and fatigue.

If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19  or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can:

Contact (for Health Professionals)

​FNHA Immunization Program