Book an appointment now to get your free flu shot on campus

With flu season just around the corner, the University of Calgary’s influenza vaccination clinics are set to open again. While catching the flu may seem like no big deal in comparison to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical experts say that the influenza virus is nothing to sneeze at.

“Before COVID-19, the flu was the leading cause of death from infectious diseases in Canada,” says Dr. Craig Jenne, PhD, a University of Calgary assistant professor in the Cumming School of Medicine Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases.

Jenne says Canada saw a significant decrease in Influenza cases during the pandemic and lockdown. He explains this was in part due to Canadians avoiding large social gatherings, staying indoors, and practising good hand washing.

However, with gatherings and events back in full swing, he’s concerned some people may have forgotten about the flu entirely.

“The viruses themselves are fundamentally different,” Jenne says about the flu and COVID-19. He expresses the necessity for people to receive a different flu shot every year due to the virus’s ever-changing nature:

[theinfluenza virus] is a professional shape-shifter.

According to Jenne, vaccination is not only the best way to keep yourself safe from the flu during its most active time of the year, but also crucial to avoid spreading the virus to loved ones during the holiday season.

Jenne says those concerned about receiving their influenza shot so close to their COVID-19 booster should not hesitate to speak to their doctors about receiving both vaccines together. If you do feel unwell or are concerned about catching the flu, he says isolation and wearing a mask are still great practices.

On-campus immunization

Staff Wellness and Student Wellness Services are partnering with the Students’ Union to provide free vaccines to students, faculty, and staff. Those interested in receiving the vaccine are encouraged to book ahead of time and complete the influenza immunization registration to receive a personal QR code to show at the immunization clinic.

More information can be found on UCalgary’s flu page.

Visit the sign-up page to book your appointment now.

UCalgary’s 2022 influenza clinic location and dates

Foothills campus (HRIC Atrium)

 Oct. 17, 18: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MacEwan Student Centre

 Oct. 19, 21, 24: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 Oct. 20: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Residences (Legacy Suite)

 Oct. 25: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spyhill campus

 Oct. 26: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Downtown campus

 Oct. 27: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.