Protect yourself and your community—get your flu shot this season.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has released the official Canadian influenza vaccine guidelines for the 2025–2026 season, emphasizing the importance of annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months or older without contraindications. As influenza season in Canada can begin as early as October, healthcare providers are encouraged to begin immunization campaigns as soon as vaccines become available.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
NACI recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals aged six months and older, unless contraindicated. However, priority groups for influenza vaccination include:
- Individuals at high risk of flu-related complications or hospitalization
- Caregivers and others who may transmit the flu to high-risk individuals
- Essential community service providers
- Individuals with occupational or recreational exposure to avian influenza A(H5N1)
These recommendations aim to reduce the burden of influenza on vulnerable populations and the healthcare system at large.
What’s New in the 2025–2026 Guidelines?
1.
Transition to Trivalent Vaccines
Canada is in the process of phasing out quadrivalent influenza vaccines in favour of trivalent formulations, due to the global disappearance of B/Yamagata lineage viruses since March 2020. Both vaccine types remain safe and effective. NACI no longer expresses a preference for quadrivalent vaccines in children, given the current circulating strains.
2.
Concurrent Vaccine Administration
Flu vaccines can continue to be safely administered alongside other routine vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. New evidence supports the safety and immunogenicity of administering high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccinesconcurrently with other adjuvanted or newly developed vaccines.
3.
Heart Health Benefits
New data analyzed by NACI suggests that influenza vaccination may offer secondary protection against cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure—especially for those with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
4.
Updated Guidance on Avian Flu Exposure
Those who engage in activities that increase exposure to avian influenza A(H5N1)—such as poultry workers, hunters, or wildlife professionals—are now included among the groups for whom annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended. While seasonal vaccines do not prevent avian flu, they may reduce the chance of co-infection and mutation, which could pose future pandemic risks.
Influenza Vaccine Products in Canada (2025–2026)
NACI’s updated Appendix B (pages 66–68) provides a detailed breakdown of all influenza vaccine products available in Canada, including:
- Age indications
- Dosage formats (multi- or single-dose)
- Adjuvants and antigen content
- Route of administration
- Storage and post-puncture shelf-life
Due to the evolving availability of vaccines, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacy for the most up-to-date product information closer to the rollout.
Visit Pill4Me Pharmacy for Your 2025–2026 Flu Shot
At Pill4Me Pharmacy, we are committed to supporting your immunity and overall health throughout the flu season. Our trained pharmacists are here to answer your questions and ensure you and your family receive the most appropriate and timely flu protection.
Why choose Pill4Me?
- No appointment necessary during flu season
- Convenient walk-in and online booking
- Trained pharmacists ready to assist with co-administration of other vaccines
- Personalized care and medication advice
Protect yourself and others—stop by Pill4Me Pharmacy in Chilliwack this fall for your flu shot.
References
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS). Statement on seasonal influenza vaccines for 2025–2026. (Accessed May 13, 2025)
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Summary of National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) statement of April 30, 2025. (Accessed May 13, 2025)
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Influenza vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide. (Accessed May 13, 2025)