Let's Talk Flu
Everything you need to know about the flu shot
Getting vaccinated is a small action that can have a big impact.
Dr. Craig Jenne, PhD
Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Where and When to Get Your Free Flu Shot On Campus
Occupational Health, Student Wellness Services, and the Students’ Union have teamed up to offer free flu shot clinics for UCalgary students, faculty, and staff. Please note that minors and family members who are not part of the UCalgary community cannot be vaccinated at our clinics.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Health Research Innovation Centre, Atrium
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Veterinary Learning Commons
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MacEwan Student Centre, North Courtyard
Walk-in only. No appointment needed.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Room 234
How to prepare?
Get a barcode
Save time and fill out the required forms online before you visit the flu clinic. Once registered, you will receive a barcode that you can present when you show up.
Book an appointment* or walk-in
Book your appointment by selecting your location in the drop down menu below. Walk-ins are welcome but may have a longer wait time.
*No appointments for main campus.
Get ready for your shot
On the day of your shot, make sure to bring your barcode, your personal health care number and wear a shirt that gives easy access to your upper arms/shoulders. Be prepared to stay 15 minutes after you receive your vaccine.
About the flu shot
Our campus flu shot clinics provide the Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine isn’t available here but can be found through AHS and some pharmacies.
Myths vs Facts
There's a lot of talk out there about the flu shot, but what does the science actually say? We encourage everyone to review the facts and make their own informed health choices.
Fact: You can’t get the flu from the flu shot. The viruses in the vaccine are inactive, so they can’t make you sick. Some people feel mild side effects like a sore arm or low fever. This just means your body is building protection. If you do get the flu soon after, it’s likely because you were exposed before the shot had time to work.
Fact: Flu vaccines reduce your risk of severe illness. While they don’t offer complete protection, they’re one of the best ways to prevent serious complications like hospital stays, ICU visits, or even death. Getting a flu shot helps to keep both you and the healthcare system healthier during flu season.
Fact: Healthy people can still get and spread the flu, even before they feel sick. Getting the flu shot helps protect you and those around you, especially people who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
Fact: The flu can be serious, even for young, healthy people. It comes on fast with high fever and body aches, and can lead to severe illness or complications. Last year, Alberta saw record-high flu hospitalizations and deaths.
Fact: You need a flu shot every year because the virus changes and your immunity fades over time. Each year's vaccine is updated to better match the strains expected to circulate.
Fact: The flu shot is safe. It’s carefully tested and monitored by Health Canada and other health organizations. Some versions contain a small amount of thimerosal, a preservative that breaks down into ethylmercury, which your body gets rid of quickly and safely.
Fact: The flu shot takes just a few minutes, plus a short wait afterward to make sure you’re feeling okay. That’s a small tradeoff to help avoid days of being sick, missing class or work, and feeling lousy in bed.
FAQs
Yes, you can get the shot at any time during your pregnancy.
Yes, the flu shot is safe to get when breastfeeding.
No. The UCalgary flu clinics are offered for UCalgary students, faculty and staff. We cannot provide flu shots to minors.
You can get a flu shot with a out-of-province healthcare card, however the record of vaccine is not automatically shared with other systems. Make sure you request a vaccination record from the clinic nurse if you need one.
If you live in Alberta, you can access your vaccination records online at https://myhealth.alberta.ca/myhealthrecords. It will be updated a few days after receiving your shot.
If you received your flu shot without a valid Alberta Health Care number and didn't request a vaccination record from the clinic nurse at the time of vaccination, please email ohn@ucalgary.ca to request your record.
Presented in partnership with the Students’ Union.