There are two different flu shots available for the 2020/2021 season

1. For ages 5+: The standard-dose vaccine protects against 4 strains of flu virus.
2. For ages 65+: The high-dose vaccine protects against 3 strains of flu virus, but in higher doses.

Your flu shot experience will happen in three stages

Stage 1: Preparing for your flu shot

1. Reserve your time slot. If you start to exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms you will need to cancel and reschedule your appointment. UPDATE: We are updating our availability calendar daily as we monitor our supply of the flu vaccine. If you're unable to book an appointment, please check back soon. Click here to learn more about booking a flu shot appointment.
2. Complete a COVID-19 Self Assessment. Follow the directions based on your results.

Stage 2: Arriving at the pharmacy

1. Wear your mask. A mask must be worn at all times when inside the pharmacy.
2. Follow directional signage. Come to the pharmacy at the time of your appointment, and follow the directional arrows and signs.
3. Maintain physical distancing. If there are people ahead of you or behind you, ensure you maintain a 2m (6 feet) distance.
4. Undergo pre-screening. Additional screening questions will be asked once you arrive. This is also when you will need to complete your consent form.
5. Ask any questions you may have. Our team is here to help and ensure you feel cared for. Please don't hesitate to ask us anything during this process. If you are required to wait you will be directed to a safe waiting area and in some cases may be asked to wait outside or in your vehicle until we're ready for you.

Stage 3: Getting your flu shot

1. Go to the designated immunization area. Once the pharmacist has completed sanitizing the area from the previous patient, we will notify you that it is your turn. If you're in a waiting room, we will come get you. If you're outside or in your vehicle, we will call or text you (depending on your preference).
2. Review your documentation with the pharmacist. Your pharmacist will review your documents to ensure we have everything we need and that all of your questions have been answered.
3. Get your flu shot. Your pharmacist will be wearing PPE including eye protection and a surgical mask. They will sanitize their hands immediately before and after administering your flu shot. You will be asked to face away from the pharmacist when receiving your injection.
4. Remain on-site for 15 minutes after your flu shot. As per public health requirements, you will need to wait for 15 minutes after your injection for observation. Your pharmacist will direct you to the designated waiting area. We will notify you once your 15 minutes are up, and will provide you with your record of immunization upon your request. Some situations require a longer observation time (e.g. if you're on blood thinner medication).

Questions?

• Call us toll-free: 1-833-DSP-CHAT
• Send us an email: hello@drugsmartpharmacy.ca
• Text us: 613-519-4208 (this is the same number we send out DrugSmart Rewards messages from)
• Send us a message on our live chat (use the blue bubble in the bottom right of your screen!)

How is COVID-19 affecting flu season?

 

The Ontario government is implementing the largest flu immunization campaign in Ontario's history. The campaign is part of the province's comprehensive plan to prepare the health system for a second wave of COVID-19. The plan, entitled Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19, sets out a series of steps to prevent, identify and respond to any outbreak scenario this fall.

• Maintain strong public health measures, including continued expansion of testing and case and contact management;
• Quickly identify, manage and prevent COVID-19 outbreaks;
• Accelerate efforts to reduce health service backlogs;
• Prepare for surges in COVID-19 cases;
• Recruit, retain, train and support health care workers, while also continuing to engage families and caregivers; and
• Implement the largest flu immunization campaign in Ontario's history.

• Ordering 5.1 million flu vaccine doses in partnership with the federal government and other provinces and territories, 700,000 more than the approximated usage last year. This includes 1.3 million high-dose vaccine doses for Ontario seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions;
• Prioritizing early distribution of the flu vaccine for vulnerable populations in long-term care homes, hospitals and retirement homes;
• Investing an additional $26.5 million to purchase additional flu vaccine doses if required and made available through the national vaccine bulk procurement program;
• For the first time in Ontario's history, improving access by allocating high-dose flu vaccines for seniors to participating pharmacies; and
• Launching a public education campaign to encourage getting the flu shot.

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