Vaccinations and travel
Vaccinations and travel health in Burnaby
Flu shots, routine adult and childhood immunizations, and pre-travel consultations, given by a certified injector on Hastings Street.
Vaccinations at the pharmacy
In British Columbia, certified pharmacists can administer most routine vaccines to patients, which means you do not need a physician appointment for a flu shot or a shingles vaccine. We record every immunization in the provincial registry so your record stays complete wherever you go next.
- Seasonal influenza. Free under the BC provincial programme for eligible residents.
- Shingles and pneumococcal. Commonly recommended for adults over 50 and over 65 respectively.
- Routine adult boosters. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, hepatitis A and B, and others.
- Childhood immunizations. Subject to age rules under the BC framework. Call and we will confirm what we can give your child.
Travel health consultations
A travel consultation is more than a list of shots. We look at where you are going, how long for, what you will be doing, what you already take, and what your immunization history covers, then build a plan around it.
- Book a consultation. Ideally six to eight weeks before departure, because some vaccine series need time.
- We review your itinerary and history. Destination-specific risk, plus anything your existing conditions or medications change.
- We give what we can, and prescribe what we can. BC pharmacists can prescribe several travel medications. Anything outside our scope goes to a physician with our notes.
- You leave with a written plan. What you had, what you still need, and what to do if something happens while you are away.
Leaving sooner than six weeks? Come in anyway. There is almost always something useful we can do, even at short notice.
Before you come in
Bring your immunization record if you have one, a list of your current medications, and your travel dates. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or managing a chronic condition, tell us at the start, because it changes what is appropriate.
Vaccination booking request
Book a vaccination
Walk in whenever it suits you, or send this and we will hold a time so you are not waiting.
- Tell us what you need. If you are not sure which vaccine applies, choose "not sure" and the pharmacist will work it out with you.
- We call you back. Usually the same day, to confirm the time and check eligibility for anything covered by the province.
- Come in. Most appointments take about fifteen minutes, including the wait afterwards.
Travelling soon? Choose the travel consultation and add your departure date in the notes. Six to eight weeks ahead is ideal, but come in even if it is sooner.
Common questions
Do I need an appointment for a flu shot?
Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead means the pharmacist can set aside time and you will not wait. During peak flu season we recommend calling first.
Is the flu shot free in BC?
Seasonal influenza vaccine is provided free under the BC provincial programme for eligible residents. We will confirm your eligibility when you come in.
How far in advance should I book a travel consultation?
Six to eight weeks before departure is ideal, because some vaccines need more than one dose spaced weeks apart. If you are leaving sooner, come in anyway.
Can pharmacists in BC prescribe travel medications?
Pharmacists in BC can prescribe a range of travel-related medications and administer most travel vaccines. Anything outside pharmacist scope is referred to a physician, and we send our assessment notes along.
Do you vaccinate children?
We administer childhood immunizations subject to the age rules that apply to pharmacists in BC. Call us with your child's age and what they need and we will tell you straight away whether we can help.
Related services
Ready when you are
NovaMed Pharmacy is on Hastings Street in Burnaby Heights. Start your refill or transfer now and we will have everything ready.