Edmonton, as the largest city in northern Alberta, offers residents a wide network of locations where they can get free vaccinations. Alberta's healthcare system provides access to vaccinations through Alberta Health Services (AHS), a network of community health centers, and numerous pharmacies. Understanding where you can get free vaccines will help you and your family stay protected against serious diseases.
It is important to understand that not all vaccines in Edmonton are provided free of charge. Publicly funded vaccines that are part of the provincial routine immunization schedule are available at no cost to all Alberta residents with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card. These vaccines include routine childhood immunizations, seasonal flu vaccine, vaccines for adolescents, and some vaccines for adults.
Alberta Health Services Community Health Centres
The most common way to get free vaccinations in Edmonton is to visit one of the community health centres operated by Alberta Health Services. These centres offer a full range of routine vaccines for infants, children, adolescents, and adults according to the provincial immunization schedule.
Alberta Health Services operates several public health centers throughout Edmonton. One of the main facilities is the Edmonton Community Health Hub North, located at 13211 Fort Road NW. This center provides a wide range of public health services, including immunizations for infants, preschoolers, and adults. The center works with public health nurses who are highly trained vaccination specialists.
Another important facility is the East Edmonton Health Centre, which offers immunization services for infants and preschoolers. Immunization at this centre is free for infants and children living in Alberta and is recommended to start at 2 months of age. The East Edmonton Health Centre is located in the central-eastern part of Edmonton and offers a variety of outpatient services, including after-hours emergency care.
To get vaccinated at an AHS public health centre, you must make an appointment. The easiest way to do this is to call Health Link at 811. Health Link is a free telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by trained professionals who can answer questions about vaccines, provide recommendations on vaccination schedules, and help you find the nearest immunization centre. It is recommended that you call at least 4 weeks before your child needs to be vaccinated.
When you call to make an appointment, it is important to have your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card handy. If you do not have an AHCIP card but need a vaccine, you can still call Health Link at 811 for information about vaccination options.
Online vaccination booking through Alberta Health Services
In addition to phone appointments, Alberta Health Services also offers an online booking system for some types of vaccinations. This is especially convenient for busy families who want to schedule vaccinations at a time that is convenient for them.
To book a COVID-19 vaccine for people 12 years of age and older, you can use the AHS online booking system. A separate online booking system is also available for children 6 months to 11 years of age. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided free of charge to Albertans aged 6 months and older who are at highest risk of severe illness or are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19. All other Albertans aged 6 months and older can also receive the COVID-19 vaccine, subject to availability.
Online booking through public health centres is also available for flu vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 4 years inclusive. Albertans aged 5 years and older who only want to receive the flu vaccine are advised to contact community pharmacies.
For respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, residents aged 70 and older who do not live in long-term care or assisted living facilities can book an appointment through the AHS online system. Residents aged 60 and older who live in long-term care or assisted living facilities will receive the RSV vaccine directly at their facilities.
Home vaccination for those who cannot leave their homes
Alberta Health Services understands that some people are unable to leave their homes for medical or personal appointments. For these individuals, home vaccination is available. If you are unable to leave your home for medical reasons and need a COVID-19, flu, or RSV vaccine, you can call 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 appointments. This service is especially important for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with chronic conditions that make it difficult to get around.
Pharmacies offering free vaccinations
Many pharmacies in Edmonton also offer free vaccinations, particularly flu shots for Albertans aged 5 and older. Pharmacies are a convenient alternative to public health centres, as they often have longer hours and accept walk-ins.
Leading pharmacy chains that offer free flu vaccinations in Edmonton include Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs, Safeway Pharmacy, and Costco Pharmacy. Each of these chains has multiple locations throughout Edmonton, making access to vaccinations extremely convenient.
Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart offers free flu shots at its pharmacies throughout Edmonton. Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists are certified to administer a variety of vaccines and strive to make the process as easy as possible. You can book an appointment online through the Shoppers Drug Mart website or simply walk into your nearest pharmacy without an appointment. Shoppers Drug Mart also offers the option to book appointments for multiple family members at once—up to 6 people at a time.
Rexall
Rexall is also an important provider of free flu vaccinations in Edmonton. Rexall pharmacies accept both appointments and walk-ins, giving you the flexibility to choose the most convenient time for your vaccination. Rexall offers a digital booking system that makes it easy to schedule vaccinations for yourself and your family members. In addition, some Rexall locations in Edmonton are designated yellow fever vaccination centers, which may be useful for those planning international travel.
There are several Rexall locations in Edmonton that offer yellow fever vaccinations. One is located at 2375 - 111 Street (Heritage Edmonton) and the other is located at 9404 Ellerslie Rd SW (Ellerslie & Parsons). These locations can provide an official yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is required for entry into some countries.
London Drugs
London Drugs offers free flu shots for Alberta residents aged 4 years and older. London Drugs pharmacies are located throughout Edmonton and offer both advance appointments and walk-in service. The flu vaccine is usually administered as a single dose per flu season.
Safeway Pharmacy
Safeway Pharmacy has numerous locations throughout Edmonton and offers free flu shots for all Albertans aged 6 months and older. Safeway makes the vaccination process extremely convenient by allowing you to book an appointment online or simply drop in during your regular shopping trip. Some Safeway locations even offer drive-up vaccinations, which is especially convenient for families with young children.
Safeway also offers the option to save time on vaccination day by filling out a medical questionnaire online before your visit. Safeway pharmacy staff are highly experienced in administering flu vaccines and strive to make the process as simple and comfortable as possible.
Costco Pharmacy
Costco Pharmacy also offers flu vaccinations at its locations in Edmonton. For Costco members, the flu vaccine is available at a discounted price, which may vary depending on the location. Costco offers several types of flu vaccines, including Fluad (specifically designed for seniors) and the standard trivalent vaccine for individuals 3 years of age and older.
Costco allows you to book an appointment online through its immunization booking system. You can also download the Costco mobile app, where you can fill out an immunization consent form and schedule an appointment directly from your smartphone. Costco also accepts walk-in visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on vaccine availability.
Which vaccines are available for free in Edmonton
Understanding which vaccines are available for free is important for planning vaccinations for you and your family. In Edmonton, all vaccines included in Alberta's provincial routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge to eligible residents.
Vaccinations for infants and children
A full series of routine vaccines is available at no cost for infants and preschool children. These vaccines include the DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB combination vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b infection, and hepatitis B. Vaccines against pneumococcus, rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and meningococcus are also provided free of charge.
Immunization for infants and preschoolers is recommended to begin at 2 months of age and continue according to the provincial schedule. Parents are encouraged to bring any immunization records they have, especially if their child was vaccinated in another province or country.
Vaccination of adolescents
Adolescents are also eligible for free vaccinations according to the provincial schedule. This includes booster doses of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, and meningococcal vaccine. These vaccines are usually administered in schools through school immunization programs or at public health centres.
Adult vaccination
Some routine vaccines are available free of charge for adults. The most important of these is the annual flu vaccine, which is available to all Albertans aged 6 months and older. The flu vaccine is especially recommended for people 65 years of age and older, as well as for people with chronic medical conditions.
Adults 65 years of age and older are also eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine protects against pneumonia and other serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
The COVID-19 vaccine is also available free of charge to eligible Alberta residents. Although the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for people aged 65 and older, as well as others at increased risk of severe illness.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is available free of charge to Albertans aged 60 and older who live in long-term care or assisted living facilities, as well as to residents aged 70 and older who live in the community.
Vaccines that are not free
It is important to understand that not all vaccines in Edmonton are provided free of charge. Some vaccines, especially those required for travel or for specialized population groups, require payment.
Travel vaccines
If you plan to travel outside of Canada, you may need additional vaccines that are not included in Alberta's routine immunization schedule. These vaccines are not usually publicly funded and must be purchased privately. Examples of these vaccines include yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies.
To obtain travel vaccines, it is recommended that you contact a private travel clinic, your family doctor, or a pharmacist at least 6 weeks before your trip. There are several specialized travel clinics in Edmonton that offer travel health consultations and vaccinations.
One example is Whole Health Pharmacy Travel Clinic, which offers a full range of travel vaccines, including yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, polio, rabies, and others. Whole Health Pharmacy does not charge for the consultation, injection, or certificate—you only pay for the vaccines you need.
Another example is Atlas Immunization Services, which offers specialized travel consultations, vaccines for specific destinations (including yellow fever), and prescriptions for travel-related medications such as malaria prophylaxis. Atlas Immunization has over 20 years of experience in immunization and tuberculosis testing.
Vaccines for Healthcare Professionals and Students
Some vaccines required for healthcare training programs or employment in healthcare facilities may not be publicly funded. If you need immunization or a TB skin test for your healthcare training program, it is recommended that you check with your program to see if you can get vaccinated through your educational institution.
Alternatively, you can contact a private travel clinic, your doctor, or your local pharmacist and pay for the necessary vaccinations. Some pharmacies and private clinics in Edmonton specialize in vaccinations for students and healthcare workers.
Atlas Immunization Services, for example, offers all the necessary immunizations for post-secondary students who are starting a program or preparing for clinical practice. They also provide requisitions for antibody tests and chest X-rays, as well as tuberculosis testing. The Atlas team is experienced in dealing with institutional requirements and documentation and can help ensure that your deadlines are met.
Some provincially funded vaccines are available to students and healthcare workers at no cost. Atlas Immunization Services now offers provincially funded vaccines for students and healthcare workers. You can book an appointment to be assessed for eligibility and receive your vaccination on the same day.
How to prepare for vaccination
Preparing for vaccination can help make the process faster and more comfortable. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your vaccination appointment in Edmonton.
Bring the necessary documents
When you come for your vaccination, it is important to bring your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card. This card confirms your eligibility for free vaccination in Alberta. If you do not have an AHCIP card, call Health Link at 811 before your appointment to find out about your options.
It is also important to bring any records of previous vaccinations you have, especially if you were vaccinated in another province or country. These records will help healthcare workers determine which vaccines you need and when they should be administered.
Fill out forms in advance
Many pharmacies and clinics allow you to fill out immunization consent forms online before your appointment. This can save time on vaccination day and make the process smoother. For example, Costco allows you to download an immunization consent form from its website or fill it out through its mobile app. Safeway also allows you to fill out a medical questionnaire online before your visit.
Dress comfortably
It is recommended that you dress comfortably for your vaccination appointment, including a short-sleeved shirt. This will make it easier to access your shoulder for the injection and make the process more comfortable.
Arrive early
If you have an appointment for vaccination, it is recommended that you arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. This will give you time to check in at the pharmacy or clinic and fill out any necessary paperwork.
Bring your insurance card
If you are receiving a vaccine that is not publicly funded (e.g., a travel vaccine), bring your insurance card with you. Some insurance companies cover the cost of travel vaccines, so it is important to check with your insurance company before your appointment. If you have multiple insurers, bring all your cards.
Special vaccination programs
In addition to routine vaccinations, Edmonton has special vaccination programs for certain groups of people.
Vaccination program for seniors
For Edmonton residents aged 75 and older, there is a special vaccination program through select pharmacies. This program allows seniors living in the community to get vaccinated at locations convenient for them, rather than traveling to public health centers. A list of pharmacies participating in this program is available online and is updated regularly as more pharmacies are invited to participate.
This program is in addition to the existing option of booking through AHS by calling 811 or using the AHS online tool. All other Albertans born in 1946 or earlier can continue to book their appointment through 811 or using the AHS online tool.
Vaccination program for pregnant women
Pregnant women are recommended to get the flu vaccine and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine during pregnancy. The Tdap vaccine is especially important because it protects the baby from pertussis (whooping cough) in the first few months of life, when the baby is too young to be vaccinated.
Some pharmacies and clinics in Edmonton specialize in vaccinations for pregnant women. It is important to discuss with your doctor or midwife which vaccines you need during pregnancy and when it is best to get them.
Group vaccinations for employers
Some pharmacies and clinics in Edmonton offer group vaccinations for employers. This can be especially helpful for large organizations that want to ensure their employees are vaccinated against the flu or other illnesses.
Atlas Immunization Services, for example, offers partnerships with employers for group immunization, tuberculosis testing, and onboarding support for new employees—either on-site or at a clinic. This can save time for employees and help employers ensure a safe work environment.
Rexall also offers group booking for vaccinations, allowing several people to book appointments at the same time. This can be convenient for families or small groups who want to get vaccinated together.
The importance of regular vaccination
Regular vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from serious diseases. Vaccines not only protect those who are vaccinated, but also help create herd immunity in the community, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
In Edmonton, the free vaccination system is designed to make vaccination accessible to all residents, regardless of their financial situation. By using available resources such as AHS public health centers, pharmacies, and online booking systems, you can ensure that you and your family remain protected from preventable diseases.
If you have questions about vaccination or are unsure which vaccines you need, call Health Link at 811. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you find the best vaccination options for you and your family.