Edmonton's flu and COVID-19 vaccination system is one of the most developed and accessible health programs in Canada. Unlike many other regions of the world, flu vaccination in Alberta remains completely free for all residents, regardless of immigration status or financial situation. However, the situation with COVID-19 vaccination is different, as since the fall of 2025, the province has implemented a system where the COVID-19 vaccine remains free only for certain at-risk groups, while for all other residents it costs $100 CAD per dose.
Understanding these programs is important for Edmonton residents, as flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are critical to preventing serious illness, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Flu Vaccination Program in Edmonton
Free Vaccination for All
Unlike some other provinces and countries, the flu vaccine in Alberta, including Edmonton, is provided completely free of charge to all Albertans aged 6 months and older. This means that every resident of the province, regardless of age, income, or insurance status, is eligible to receive the vaccine at no cost.
In fact, flu vaccination is one of the most valuable publicly funded services in Alberta's health care system. Each year, the province invests millions of dollars to purchase vaccines and organize clinics to ensure that every resident has access to this important service.
Vaccination schedule and program phases
Edmonton's flu vaccination program is organized in two phases, designed to ensure that people at highest risk have access to the vaccine in the first round, before the general population has access.
Phase 1 - High-risk groups
The first phase of the program began on October 1, 2025, and provided free flu vaccinations to the following groups:
Seniors living in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These individuals are at the highest risk of serious complications from influenza because they often have multiple chronic medical conditions and weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women, who are at increased risk of complications from influenza, including pneumonia and hospitalization. Vaccinating pregnant women also protects newborn babies from influenza in their first months of life, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart failure, and other conditions that increase the risk of serious complications from influenza.
Seniors who receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB), regardless of where they live. ASB is a social assistance program for low-income seniors.
Healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, technical staff, and all individuals who have contact with patients in healthcare facilities.
People experiencing homelessness, who often have difficulty accessing health services due to their living conditions.
Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza due to historical and socio-economic factors.
People over 6 months of age with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).
Childcare providers and people who have contact with children under 2 years of age, as young children are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
Phase 2 - General Population
The second phase of the program began on October 20, 2025, and expanded access to vaccination to all other Albertans aged 6 months and older.
Flu Vaccination Locations in Edmonton
Flu shots in Edmonton are available at several different locations, depending on your age and the type of vaccine you need:
Community Health Centers
Alberta Health Services operates several community health centers in Edmonton where you can get a free flu shot. The main centers include:
Edmonton Community Health Hub North, located at 13211 Fort Road NW, offers immunizations for adults, including the flu vaccine. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
East Edmonton Health Centre offers vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 4 years, including the flu vaccine. The centre is located in east-central Edmonton and is also open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Other public health centres are located throughout Edmonton, and hours of operation may vary. It is recommended that you contact the centre before visiting to confirm the exact hours of operation.
Community Pharmacies
People aged 5 years and older are recommended to get their flu shot at community pharmacies, as they often have longer hours and accept both scheduled and walk-in patients.
Many major pharmacy chains in Edmonton offer free flu shots, including:
Rexall - has many locations throughout Edmonton and offers both appointments and walk-ins. Rexall offers the option to book an appointment online through their website.
Shoppers Drug Mart - offers flu vaccinations at many of its locations across Edmonton. You can book an appointment online or simply walk in without an appointment.
London Drugs - has numerous locations across Edmonton and offers vaccinations by appointment and walk-in.
Safeway Pharmacy - offers vaccinations at many of its locations. Some locations even have a drive-up format where you can get the vaccine without leaving your car.
Costco Pharmacy - offers flu vaccines at a reduced price or free of charge (depending on your membership status) to Costco members.
Pharmacies may accept walk-in patients depending on how busy they are, so it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm vaccine availability and wait times.
Home vaccination
For people who are unable to leave their homes for medical reasons, Alberta Health Services offers the option of receiving the flu vaccine at home.
If you are unable to leave your home, you can contact Health Link at 811 to learn more about home vaccination options.
If you receive home care services, your case manager or healthcare team may contact you directly to discuss vaccination options.
Types of flu vaccines
Several types of flu vaccines are available in Alberta, depending on your age and medical status:
Standard flu vaccine (trivalent or quadrivalent)
This is the most common vaccine, which protects against three or four strains of the flu virus that are expected to circulate this season.
High-dose vaccine (Fluad, Fluzone HD)
For people 65 years of age and older who live in the community (rather than in an institution), a high-dose vaccine is alternatively available. This vaccine contains four times more antigen than the standard vaccine and provides better protection for older adults with weakened immune systems.
Nasal spray vaccine (LAIV)
Some pharmacies may offer the nasal spray vaccine instead of the injection, but this is not covered by the provincially funded program and requires out-of-pocket payment.
How to book a flu shot
There are several ways to book a flu shot in Edmonton:
Online booking
You can book an appointment online through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System (AVBS), starting with the date you want to get the vaccine.
Many pharmacies, including Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart, and others, also allow you to book an appointment directly through their websites.
Phone booking
You can call Health Link at 811 to ask about flu vaccinations and book an appointment at your local public health centre.
Walk-in
Many pharmacies and some public health centres accept walk-in patients. You can simply drop in during their business hours and get vaccinated, depending on vaccine availability.
COVID-19 vaccination program in Edmonton
Free vaccination for at-risk groups
Unlike the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine in Alberta is no longer completely free for all residents. Starting in the fall of 2025, the province introduced a two-phase program where the vaccine is free for certain at-risk groups, while for everyone else it costs $100 CAD per dose.
This makes Alberta one of the few provinces in Canada that charges for the COVID-19 vaccine for people who are not in a high-risk group. Quebec is another province that has introduced a fee for the vaccine, although the specific amount varies.
Phase 1 - Free vaccination for at-risk groups
The first phase began on October 1, 2025, and provides free COVID-19 vaccination for the following groups:
All residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities, regardless of age.
Seniors aged 65 and older who receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB).
Practicing healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and all individuals who have close contact with patients.
People who receive home care services, including health visitors and caregivers.
People experiencing homelessness, who often have difficulty accessing health services.
People over 6 months of age with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems, as recommended by NACI.
Phase 2 - Vaccination available to everyone else
Phase 2 began on October 20, 2025, and offers COVID-19 vaccination to all other Albertans aged 6 months and older, but at a cost of $100 CAD per dose.
This approach differs from most other Canadian provinces, where the COVID-19 vaccine remains free for all residents. However, the province justifies this decision as a way to reduce vaccine waste and better plan supplies.
COVID-19 vaccination locations
Unlike the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Alberta is available exclusively through public health centers, not at community pharmacies.
Community health centers
COVID-19 vaccines are available through the Edmonton Community Health Hub North and other community health centers throughout Edmonton.
Pharmacies are currently only able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations in long-term care facilities and supported living facilities, not to the general public.
How to book a COVID-19 vaccination
Online booking
Appointments can be booked online through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System (AVBS). Those in high-risk groups can start booking on October 1, 2025, while everyone else can start booking on October 20, 2025.
Phone booking
You can call Health Link at 811 to ask about COVID-19 vaccination and book an appointment.
Home vaccination
If you are unable to leave your home for medical reasons, you can contact Health Link at 811 to learn more about home vaccination options.
Other adult vaccination programs in Edmonton
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination
The RSV vaccination program was expanded in Alberta in 2025. Starting March 10, 2025, the province began funding the RSV vaccine for the following groups:
People aged 70 and older who live in the community (down from 75). Previously, the vaccine was only available to people aged 75 and older.
People aged 60 and older who live in long-term care facilities or assisted living facilities.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people aged 60 and older.
People aged 50-69 can get the vaccine at their own expense if they choose to do so. However, it is not covered by the provincially funded program for this age group.
The RSV vaccine is administered at public health centers and is usually given as a single dose.
Shingles vaccination (Shingrix)
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) in Alberta is not covered by the provincially funded program for most of the population. However, some people may be eligible for free vaccination:
People over the age of 18 who have had or will have an organ transplant can receive the vaccine for free.
People 50 years of age and older can get the vaccine at their own expense at private vaccination clinics or private pharmacies.
People who have certain chronic medical conditions or are taking immunosuppressive medications can consult with their doctor about the possibility of getting the vaccine.
Some provinces, including Ontario, Yukon, and Prince Edward Island, provide the Shingrix vaccine free of charge to people 50 and older, but Alberta does not.
Pneumococcal vaccination
People 65 and older in Alberta are eligible for a free dose of the pneumococcal vaccine (PNEU-C-20) under a provincially funded program.
People with certain chronic conditions may be eligible for the vaccine at a younger age.
People who are undergoing organ transplants may receive additional doses of the vaccine as recommended by their doctor.
Tips for getting vaccinated
Keep important documents safe
When you come in for your vaccination, it is important to bring your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card or other official document that confirms your identity.
If you have records of previous vaccinations, especially if you were vaccinated in another province or country, it is recommended that you bring them with you so that staff can review your vaccination history.
Getting vaccinated at the same time
According to the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), you can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment. It is safe and convenient.
In addition, you can get other vaccines, such as RSV or Shingrix, at the same time as the flu or COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccination documentation
After receiving the vaccine, you will receive an immunization record. It is recommended that you keep this record in a safe place, as it may be needed for various purposes, such as travel, employment, or education.
In addition, you can access your vaccination records through the MyHealth Records system if you have an Alberta.ca account.
Conclusions on vaccination programs in Edmonton
In conclusion, Edmonton has well-organized vaccination programs for influenza and COVID-19. Flu vaccination remains completely free for all Albertans aged 6 months and older, regardless of their financial situation. On the other hand, COVID-19 vaccination is only free for at-risk groups, while everyone else can get the vaccine for $100 per dose.
These programs are provided through both public health centers and community pharmacies, making access to vaccination convenient and easy for most Edmonton residents. In addition, home vaccination is available for those who are unable to leave their homes.
People considering vaccination should be aware of the options available to them and make an appointment at a time that is convenient for them through the online booking system, by calling Health Link at 811, or simply by visiting their local pharmacy without an appointment. Vaccination is one of the most important measures to protect yourself and your community from serious diseases.