When it comes to your health, doing your own research with trusted sources is smart. This guide from CityMed Pharmacy (White Rock & Surrey) aims to give you everything you need to know about your vaccine options (flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, RSV) this fall and winter. We’ll explain types, differences, eligibility, how you can get them at CityMed, and answer your common questions. We’ll keep it simple, clear, and accurate using BC public health sources like BCCDC.
Quick Answers (At a Glance)
- Who can get a free flu shot in BC? Everyone age 6 months and older. Government of British Columbia
- Can I get flu and COVID-19 vaccines together? Yes — co-administration is supported. Vancouver Coastal Health+1
- What is PCV20? A newer pneumonia vaccine (20-valent) now in BC’s immunization program. BC Centre for Disease Control+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2
- Egg allergy? Standard flu vaccines are generally considered safe. If wish to avoid egg derivatives, we offer Flucelvax® privately at CityMed.
- CityMed vaccine service: Walk-ins welcome, but appointments are preferred (to ensure supply and minimal wait).
- Flu Vaccines in BC: What’s Available & Why It Matters
Who is eligible & why get vaccinated?
In BC, all residents aged 6 months and older can receive a free flu vaccine each autumn/winter. Government of British Columbia+1 People at higher risk—young children, seniors, pregnant folks, people with chronic conditions—benefit even more. Government of British Columbia+2Fraser Health+2 The vaccine helps reduce doctor visits and complications: in recent seasons, vaccinated people had about half the risk of influenza that required medical care. BC Centre for Disease Control
BC publishes an “Intended Use” table each season for which vaccine brands/types to use by age group. BC Centre for Disease Control
Types of Flu Vaccines & Differences
Here are the main types you may hear:
| Type | How made / delivered | Who uses it | Pros & cons / notes |
| Standard inactivated (shot) | Killed virus, injected | Most people 6 months+ | Safe, tried and true |
| Adjuvanted vaccine | Has an added immune-boosting ingredient | Seniors (65+) in BC public program | Helps older immune systems respond better |
| High-dose vaccine | More antigen per dose | Adults 65+ (private) | Stronger stimulus, possibly more side effects |
| Live attenuated / nasal spray (LAIV, e.g. FluMist®) | Weakened live virus, sprayed into nose | Children/teens (2–17) when eligible | Needle-free, but only for people without immune suppression |
| Cell-based vaccine (Flucelvax®) | Grown in cell culture (not eggs) | Anyone 6 months+ (private) | Avoids egg adaptation, better for egg-allergies |
Which vaccines BC public program uses in 2025/26
As per BC’s updates: BC Centre for Disease Control+2Government of British Columbia+2
- Fluzone® (trivalent) multi-dose & prefilled,
- Fluviral® (trivalent),
- FluMist® (nasal spray, trivalent)
- Fluad® (adjuvanted, for 65+)
These are the publicly funded ones. Government of British Columbia+1
If you want a premium or different option (e.g. Flucelvax®, or high-dose), that may be private pay.
Flucelvax®: What is it & why consider it?
Flucelvax® Quadrivalent (QIVc) is a cell-based flu shot — meaning the virus is grown in mammalian cell cultures instead of in eggs. This reduces the risk of mutations that sometimes occur in egg-based manufacturing. It is thimerosal-free, latex-free, and suitable for people with mild egg allergies.
BC does not include Flucelvax® in its public program—so at CityMed we offer it as a private option. If you prefer this type, ask our pharmacists for pricing and availability.
- High-Dose & Adjuvanted Vaccines for Seniors (65+)
As people age, their immune systems often respond less vigorously to vaccines. To help, enhanced vaccines are recommended.
- Fluad® (adjuvanted) is BC’s preferred free vaccine for seniors aged 65+. It includes an adjuvant (MF59) to boost immune response. BC Centre for Disease Control+2Government of British Columbia+2
- Fluzone® High-Dose is a premium option (private) containing higher antigen amounts. While not part of BC’s public funding, some pharmacies (like ours possibly) may offer it if supply permits.
If the preferred vaccine (Fluad®) is not available when you go in, do not wait — take whatever approved vaccine is offered. Getting vaccinated is more important than waiting for the ideal brand.
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccines: What You Need to Know
What is PCV20? Why is BC switching?
In July 2025, BC replaced earlier pneumonia vaccines (PCV13, PPV23) with a single pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: PCV20 (Prevnar 20™) in its immunization program. BC Centre for Disease Control+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2 The change is meant to simplify schedules and provide broader coverage.
PCV20 protects against 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis, and ear infections. HealthLink BC+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2
Who is eligible?
- Adults 65 years and older are eligible for a free PCV20 dose if they haven’t already had an appropriate pneumococcal vaccine. Canada.ca+3HealthLink BC+3BC Centre for Disease Control+3
- People with certain medical conditions or immune risks at younger ages may also qualify. BC Centre for Disease Control+4Canada.ca+4BC Centre for Disease Control+4
- In children, PCV20 replaces older PCV13 in routine childhood programs. Canada.ca+1
Co-administration & timing
According to the Canadian Immunization Guide, pneumococcal vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines (like flu or COVID) as long as different injection sites (arms) are used. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2 If multiple pneumococcal vaccines or switching from older ones, there are rules about intervals (e.g., 8 weeks between some vaccines). Canada.ca+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2
At CityMed, we can help check your prior pneumococcal vaccine history and suggest what’s right for you.
- COVID-19 & RSV Vaccines: What to Know
While your question focused on flu and pneumonia, it’s helpful to include COVID-19 and RSV:
- COVID-19 vaccine: BC continues to offer COVID-19 immunization programs. These vaccines may be co-administered with flu vaccines. Vancouver Coastal Health+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2
- RSV vaccine (for older adults): HealthLink BC mentions that RSV vaccine is not free for ages 75+, and is a private option; some may choose it after discussion with provider. HealthLink BC
- CityMed can help you understand whether RSV vaccine makes sense for your age and health status, and whether we can order it.
- Can You Get Flu, COVID, and Pneumococcal Vaccines Together?
Yes, in most cases you can. The NACI (Canada’s immunization advisory) allows co-administration of vaccines, including flu, COVID, and pneumococcal, when indicated. The key is to use different injection sites (e.g. one arm for flu, the other for pneumonia or COVID) and to review your health history. BC Centre for Disease Control+4Canada.ca+4Canada.ca+4
In practice:
- Flu + COVID: Safe to give concurrently, often offered together. Vancouver Coastal Health+2Government of British Columbia+2
- Pneumococcal (PCV20) can be given with other vaccines if needed. BC Centre for Disease Control+3Canada.ca+3BC Centre for Disease Control+3
If you have immune compromise or specific medical conditions, your provider might adjust timing. Always inform the pharmacist or nurse of your medical history, allergies, or medications.
- Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Vaccines in BC & at CityMed
Step 1: Eligibility & vaccine history
- Check what vaccines you’ve already had (flu in prior years, pneumococcal, COVID doses).
- Confirm your age group or medical risk to see which vaccines you qualify for (e.g. PCV20 at age 65+).
- If uncertain, ask CityMed staff — we can look you up in provincial registry or check with ImmsBC.
Step 2: Book your appointment or walk in
- Use Get Vaccinated BC to book your flu and COVID vaccines. Government of British Columbia+2Vancouver Coastal Health+2
- Call BC’s vaccine line: 1-833-838-2323 to help with booking. Vancouver Coastal Health+1
- Or come to CityMed White Rock or CityMed Surrey. Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage booking so we have your vaccine ready and wait times low.
Step 3: Prepare for your appointment
- Bring your BC Services Card (PHN) or equivalent identification.
- Wear a short-sleeved or easily roll-up shirt.
- Bring a medication/allergy list.
- Expect to wait 15 minutes after vaccination for observation.
- Let the pharmacist know which vaccines you want that day (flu, COVID, pneumococcal).
Step 4: At your appointment
- The pharmacist will screen you (health history, allergies, contraindications).
- They may give multiple vaccines in one visit (in different arms or injection sites).
- They will document your vaccines into ImmsBC and the provincial registry. Government of British Columbia+2Government of British Columbia+2
Step 5: After vaccination
- You may feel mild side effects: soreness, fatigue, mild fever. These usually resolve in 1–2 days.
- Stay hydrated, rest if needed, and use simple remedies (e.g. cold compress on sore arm).
- If severe reaction (rare), contact your health care provider or local emergency services.
- Keep your vaccination record for future reference or booster need.
- CityMed Pharmacy: What We Provide & How We Help
CityMed Pharmacy (White Rock & Surrey) is your local vaccine hub. Here’s what we offer:
- Publicly funded vaccines: Flu (standard, adjuvanted for seniors), COVID-19 (if eligible), and PCV20 (if eligible).
- Private or premium options: Flucelvax® (cell-based, egg-free), Fluzone High-Dose (if we stock it), RSV vaccine (private).
- Walk-in service, but appointment is preferred during peak season to minimize wait and secure preferred vaccine.
- Consultation and screening: We’ll review your health history, allergies, vaccine history, and guide you.
- Documentation: We record your vaccinations in provincial registries (ImmsBC) immediately.
- Availability updates: We maintain updates on stock (e.g. Flucelvax®, high-dose) and let patients know when new shipments arrive.
Locations & Contact:
- CityMed Pharmacy – White Rock: 4-1493 Foster St • 604-385-1490
- CityMed Pharmacy – Surrey: #107-14818 60 Ave • 604-593-8866
- Online / website: citymedhealth.ca
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the flu shot really free for everyone in BC?
Yes — for all residents aged 6 months and older through the public program. Government of British Columbia+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2
Q2. Can I get flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines in one visit?
Yes — co-administration is supported. Just ensure different injection sites are used. BC Centre for Disease Control+4Canada.ca+4Canada.ca+4
Q3. I’m allergic to eggs. Can I still get a flu vaccine?
In general, yes — most standard vaccines are considered safe even with mild egg allergy. If you wish to avoid any egg-derived components, Flucelvax® is an egg-free option (private) we offer.
Q4. Which flu vaccine should seniors get?
The BC public program recommends Fluad® (adjuvanted) for people 65+. If you prefer, Fluzone High-Dose® may be available privately.
Q5. What is PCV20 and who needs it?
PCV20 is the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. It replaced older pneumococcal vaccines in BC’s program. It’s free for many adults aged 65+, and also for some with medical risk conditions. BC Centre for Disease Control+4BC Centre for Disease Control+4BC Centre for Disease Control+4
Q6. Do I need a pneumococcal shot every year?
No. In most cases, one dose of PCV20 suffices, depending on your risk and previous vaccine history. BC Centre for Disease Control+3Canada.ca+3BC Centre for Disease Control+3
Q7. Can getting multiple vaccines at once increase side effects?
You might feel a bit more soreness or fatigue than if you got a single shot, but serious reactions are very rare. The benefits outweigh the mild side effects for most people.
Q8. What if my preferred vaccine (like Flucelvax or high-dose) is out of stock?
Don’t delay — take what’s available under the public program. We may help you reserve the premium option next time or notify you when it’s back in stock.
Q9. When is the best time to get the flu shot?
As soon as the vaccines become available (often October), but anytime during flu season is beneficial. Government of British Columbia+2BC Centre for Disease Control+2
Q10. What records do I keep and show for future vaccination?
Keep your vaccination record (receipt, card) and ensure that the province’s immunization registry (ImmsBC) is updated. Your next provider can check your history easily.
- Doing Your Own Research: Tips & Trusted Sources
When doing your own research, here are guidelines:
- Use government health websites (e.g. BCCDC, BC Gov, HealthLink BC) because they update regularly.
- Check product monographs or manufacturer sites for vaccine details.
- Look for recent documents or PDFs on “Summary for Seasonal Influenza” (BCCDC does this yearly) BC Centre for Disease Control
- Ask your pharmacist or nurse — they often have the latest provincial “Intended Use” tables.
- Be cautious of articles or social media posts that misquote or misrepresent vaccine safety or studies.
- Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect ourselves, our families, and our community — especially during fall and winter when viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia bacteria circulate more. Doing your own research with reliable sources helps you make informed health decisions.
CityMed Pharmacy is here to support you — we offer both the public vaccines and private options (such as Flucelvax®), provide screening and counselling, and make the process as smooth as possible. Walk-ins are welcome, but please book ahead during busy periods to reduce your wait and ensure desired vaccine availability.
📞 Call us at White Rock (604-385-1490) or Surrey (604-593-8866)
🌐 Visit our website: citymedhealth.ca
📅 Register at Get Vaccinated BC and schedule your shots today.
Let us help you stay safe and healthy this season.