Flu shot in Calgary: book online or walk in

At Revive, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines both start on October 19 this year. Later is still worth it if you have not had this year's dose — the season runs for months. The vaccine is updated every year, so last year's does not count.

If your weeks are tight, book a time online and pick flu, COVID-19 or both. Otherwise walk in. Call ahead if you need a specific vaccine on a specific day and we will tell you whether we have it.

We go through the vaccine you are asking for and ask about allergies, past reactions to a vaccine, whether you are unwell today and anything in your health history that matters. It takes a minute and it is the part that makes the rest safe.

Then you get the shot, and we tell you what to expect. A sore arm, some redness or swelling where the needle went in is normal. We will tell you what is not, and what to do if it happens.

Influenza is not a bad cold. It puts people in hospital every winter, and the ones it hits hardest are the very young, the very old and anyone already managing a health condition. The vaccine teaches your immune system what to look for before it meets the real thing.

It is not a guarantee — how well it matches varies by season and by person, and nobody can promise you will not catch flu. What it reliably does is lower your odds and take the edge off if you do.

The injected vaccine cannot cause influenza. It prompts an immune response without the disease. Feeling briefly off afterwards is that response, not an infection.

If you feel genuinely unwell after a vaccine, tell us. We can talk through what is expected and whether your symptoms are more likely to be something else you picked up.

You can book any of these with us, and we can give more than one in a visit where it is appropriate. Which are right for you depends on your age, your health, what you have had before and what you are exposed to — ask and we will go through it.

• Fluseasonal, updated every year
• COVID-19ask about the current dose
• Shinglesfor adults, usually a two-dose course
• RSVmainly for older adults
• Pneumoniaoften for older adults and some health conditions
• HPVfor eligible age groups

Come to 20 Ave NW, Royal Vista NW or Lynnwood SE — all three give vaccines, all three are staffed by pharmacists who can assess you first. Addresses, phone numbers and today's hours are on the locations page. Book flu and COVID-19 shots online in season, and shingles, RSV, pneumonia and HPV any time of year.

Travelling rather than just heading into winter? Book a travel consultation instead. That looks at your route, your dates and your vaccination record, not only the seasonal shot.