2022 Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics during Covid 19 Pandemic:

Similar to last year, the BC Centre for Disease Control reminds us, it continues to be very important to protect ourselves and others around us from influenza, especially those who may be more likely to develop severe illness that would put them in hospital. Dr. Bonnie Henry, Chief Medical Officer of Health, states that during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccination is critically important to prevent another respiratory illness with similar symptoms that could result in unnecessary isolation or testing for COVID-19. Flu vaccination season will begin in October, and we will be holding a series of immunization clinics to provide vaccines to the patients of the practice. As in previous years we are not able to offer vaccines during regular in office appointment times. These vaccine clinic will be only for patients of Bayswater Family Practice and you will be required to book a specific appointment time for the vaccine clinic so that we are able to effectively space the timing of appointments and also ensure that we have an adequate supply of vaccine.
 

2022 Flu Vaccine Clinic Dates:

  • Saturday Oct 22: 1 pm -3:30 pm
  • Saturday Oct 29: 11 am -1:30 pm
  • Saturday Nov 5: 11 am -1 pm
  • Saturday Nov 12: 10 am -12 pm
  • Wednesday Nov 30: 4:30 -5:30 pm
*** check back regularly for more dates, we may add more vaccine clinics if needed***  The immunization clinics fill quickly, so check often.
 

Booking your flu vaccine appointment:

You can book your flu vaccine appointment online here You can call our office and book with our staff. (we suggest that online booking will be faster as our phones lines are very busy right now) It is essential that you arrive on time for your appointment as the timing will be very precise. Please do not come late or more than 5 minutes early.
*** There is a fee for missed appointments, so please cancel at least 24 hours in advance if you are not able to make your appointment***
 

Before you arrive at the clinic

What to do

  • Please read this document. By attending our vaccination clinic we assume you have read and understand this document and consent to receiving your influenza immunization.
  • Please do not bring extra people to your appointment, unless they are also receiving a vaccination, or you require their assistance.
  • Please do not come if you have a fever, cough, sore throat or are unwell. If this is the case, please contact us for advice and/or to reschedule.
  • Please do not come if you have had close contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 or have been outside Canada in the last 14 days.
  • Only vaccinations will be provided during this appointment—if you have other medical concerns, please book another appointment.

What to wear

  • Wear a mask to your appointment.
  • Please ensure that you are wearing clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm  (vaccination is usually done right at the top of the shoulder on the non-dominant arm). We suggest a t-shirt or tank top under a jacket that is easy to remove.
 

When you are at the clinic

  • We ask that when you arrive you line up observing the 2 m spacing markers at the check in. We will do our best to avoid any waits.
  • Please let us know if you have had a previous reaction to the influenza vaccine, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or are receiving a checkpoint inhibitor to treat cancer. A severe egg allergy does not prevent you from getting the influenza vaccine.
  • Please also let the physician know if you are pregnant.
  • As in previous years we will require that people remain close by for 15 minutes after their vaccine so we can ensure there is no reaction.There is a very rare possibility (less than 1 in a million) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. Should this reaction occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it and transfer you by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave, call 9-1-1.
We appreciate your patience as we grapple with providing safe care for our patients during this pandemic.flu shots
Information on seasonal flu vaccine

The BC government announced that annual flu vaccines will be made freely available to everyone older than 6 months.

Who should not get a flu vaccine:
  • children less than 6 months of age
  • individuals who have had a life threatening reaction to a previous dose of influenza vaccine , or any component of the vaccine
  • individuals receiving a checkpoint (CTLA-4) inhibitor to treat cancer