It’s time for your flu shot

The pandemic has reinforced the importance of individuals taking care of their own health in order to also safeguard the health of their families, friends, colleagues and communities. In 2021-2022, everyone aged six months and older is eligible for a free flu vaccine.

Now, with the start of the flu season, UVic students, faculty and staff are asked to keep that in mind and to book an appointment to get their annual flu shots.

Faculty and staff

Safe and plentiful flu vaccinations are available for UVic employees in their home communities. For information on where you can get your free flu shot on Vancouver island, whether at a clinic or a pharmacy, go to ImmunizeBC or Island Health.

The Heart Pharmacy on campus, in the Student Union Building, is taking online waitlist bookings for flu vaccinations given during store hours.

Students

UVic students can get a free flu shot on campus this fall. The Student Wellness team has joined forces with the School of Nursing and Island Medical Program to offer the drop-in clinics to all current students, including out-of-province and international students.

Getting the flu shot is just one thing we can all do to help keep everyone on campus safe this winter and reduce potential pressures on the health care system during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You can also help limit the spread of germs in the university community by:

• doing your daily health check
• staying home if you’re sick
• washing your hands regularly—hand sanitizer stations are located at the main entrances to and throughout all buildings, and
• wearing a mask—they’re required in all indoor public spaces, including elevators, lobbies, hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, classrooms, coffee shops, pubs and museums.