Get Your Flu Shot With Centrum Pharmacy
Flu Shots Now Available
Help prevent the spread of influenza by getting your flu shot at a Centrum Pharmacy. Book an appointment online today.
Telling the Difference Between COVID-19 and Influenza
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden | Varies (typically gradual but can be sudden) |
| Fever | Rare | Common, often high | Common, can be moderate to high |
| Cough | Mild, dry or productive | Common, often dry | Common, can be dry or persistent |
| Shortness of Breath | Rare | Rare | Common, especially in severe cases |
| Fatigue | Sometimes, mild | Common, can be intense | Common, varies in severity |
| Body Aches | Mild | Common, often severe | Common, can be mild to severe |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Headache | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Common | Rare | Rare |
| Loss of Taste/Smell | Rare | Rare | Common, can be sudden and profound |
| Diarrhea | Rare | Sometimes, mostly in children | Sometimes |
| Nausea/Vomiting | Rare | Sometimes, especially in children | Sometimes |
Also Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine.
You can safely get you COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time.
Can I receive my flu shot at the same time as my COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the administration of influenza vaccines may occur at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines for those aged 5 years and older. Getting both vaccines at the same time is convenient and safe.
Speak to the pharmacist at Centrum Pharmacy to receive both immunizations this season.
Can seniors over 65 years old receive the high dose flu vaccine?
The High Dose flu vaccine is available for Seniors over 65 at Centrum Pharmacy based on provincial eligibility and supply availability. The High Dose may be recommended for specific seniors. Not all seniors should get the High dose version of the vaccine simply because they are over 65 years old. Your pharmacist will advise you if you qualify for the High Dose or for the Regular Dose Flu Vaccine.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu or other respiratory illnesses?
The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus, which means it can’t cause an infection. People who get sick after receiving the vaccine likely would have fallen ill regardless, as it takes about one to two weeks to build immunity. Or because, after the flu shot your body starts to build antibodies to the flu virus. This process takes energy and heat. So, if you here tired and stressed when you got the vaccine you will feel even more tired now and you may develop a fever as the body needs the heat to properly produce the desired immune response. Or sometimes, because you may be fatigued and tired when you get your vaccination, you actually may catch another respiratory pathogen.
Thus, when people get sick shortly after getting the flu shot, they mistakenly believe the vaccine was the cause. Side effects of the flu vaccine however may result in mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, and muscle aches that typically go away on its own within a few days.
Will you provide a record of receiving a flu shot?
Yes, you will be provided an immunization record.
At what age can individuals receive the flu shot?
In Ontario, individuals aged 2 years and above can receive the flu shot. The pharmacist at Centrum Pharmacy will only be able to give the Flu vaccine to adults and children above the age of 10 years old and only if they are accompanied by their parent or guardian.
Who should NOT get a flu shot?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pretty much everyone get a flu shot. However, there are certain groups of people for which the flu shot is not advised or who need to go over the pros and cons of a flu vaccine with their healthcare providers first.
The following individuals should NOT get a flu shot:
Infants younger than 6 months old: Babies do not yet have a fully functioning immune system that is able to produce the desired response from the vaccine.
Those who have had a previous life-threatening allergic reaction to the flu vaccine or its components (such as gelatin)
A history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after previous flu vaccinations
Anyone with a very high fever or who was recently admitted to the hospital at the time of vaccination (vaccination may be appropriate after recovery from the illness)
The flu vaccine is considered safe for pretty much everyone else; The CDC no longer recommends additional precautions for people with egg allergies; but if you have concerns or questions, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are feeling ill at the time of your flu shot appointment and what symptoms you have. Postponing your vaccination may be advised.
Please bring a valid Ontario health card
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are feeling ill at the time of your flu shot appointment and what symptoms you have. Postponing your vaccination may be advised.
