Influenza, called the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses which can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications. To reduce the risk and spread of influenza, physicians recommend that seniors have a flu vaccination every year.
Tips & Links
Adults and seniors, especially those with health conditions, are at greater risk of complications from the flu such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions. This is why health care professionals recommend that seniors have a flu vaccination every year.
Learn More
- Check out the fact sheet on influenza, including symptoms and prevention available in many languages from Healthlink BC.
- Get your Influenza vaccine every year as recommended by Immunize BC – it is free for everyone over 6 months of age in BC.
- Learn how to book your free influenza and covid 19 vaccinations online. You can receive an email or SMS text when it’s time to book if you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system.
- Know that people living in First Nations communities can contact their community health centre or nursing station to schedule an appointment to get their influenza vaccine.
Things You Can Do
- Choose a location to get your vaccinations in BC including your physician’s or nurse practitioner’s office, pharmacies, or health units.
- Learn about about the different recommended vaccines if travelling from Healthlink BC.
- Understand that you may have a simple reaction to your vaccination. For suggestions on what to do look at vaccine after-care from Healthlink BC.
- Some reactions to vaccinations are days or weeks after the injection – mark those dates on your health calendar.
- Learn how to access Health-Gateway BC to set up your personal account and to access your vaccination history. Know how to access it on your phone.
Keep your vaccination record up to date in your Health Profile fillable PDF tool found in My Health Information.
Tools & Videos
Categories: My Health Information, Senior
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