Fall Immunization Playbook: Protecting Calgary Families Before the First Frost
As summer winds down on the prairies and pumpkin‑spice lattes return, Calgary’s dry, chilly nights herald more than cozy sweaters. The humidity levels that hover below 40 % in many Alberta homes are a boon for viruses – at low relative humidity water droplets evaporate quickly and fail to generate the hydrogen‑peroxide‑rich microdroplets that can naturally kill viruses. When humidity rises from 15 % to 50 % the concentration of these disinfectant compounds increases more than three‑fold. In other words, the dry indoor air that keeps us comfortable during a Canadian autumn also allows viruses to float around for longer.
A Season of Sneaky Viruses
Our city’s emergency‑department stats show a 26 % rise in respiratory complaints from the first week of September to the week before Halloween. That includes the familiar seasonal flu, rhinoviruses disguised as allergies, and a newly notorious lung‑invader – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Because our dry air doesn’t stop viruses from hanging around, infections snowball quickly.
Why Early Planning Matters
Vaccines need time to work. Protective antibody levels after an influenza shot take about two weeks, and the immunity wanes over the season. That’s why Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) stresses that the seasonal influenza vaccine is needed every year — immunity decreases over time and the strains circulating change. Studies from Ontario show that vaccine effectiveness drops by roughly 9 % every 28 days beginning about six weeks after vaccination; by February, protection may have fallen 5–27 % compared with early winter.
NACI recommends offering flu vaccine to everyone 6 months and older, with high‑dose, adjuvanted or recombinant formulations preferentially offered to adults 65 years and older. Those at highest risk include older adults, pregnant people, young children, residents of nursing homes and anyone with chronic health conditions. In Calgary, that includes many grandparents, caregivers and people with diabetes or heart disease.
RSV: New Tools for an Old Foe
Before 2023 there were no vaccines for RSV, a virus that can cause serious lung infections in seniors and infants. That changed when Health Canada authorized three vaccines: RSVPreF3 (GSK), RSVpreF (Pfizer) and mRNA‑1345 (Moderna). In March 2025 NACI updated its guidance. Here’s the rundown:
- Strongly recommended immunization programs for adults ≥75 years and for adults ≥60 years who live in nursing homes or chronic‑care facilities. A single dose of RSVpreF, RSVPreF3 or mRNA‑1345 can be used, although evidence is more limited for mRNA‑1345.
- For adults 50–74 years, a vaccine may be considered in consultation with your healthcare provider. RSVPreF3 is the only formulation authorized for ages 50–59, whereas all three products may be used at ages 60–74.
- Protection appears to last at least two years, and the vaccines should be timed just before the RSV season (typically November–April in Canada).
It’s also reassuring that NACI states RSV vaccines may be given on the same day as, or at any time before or after, other adult vaccines.
Pneumococcal Disease: Preventing Hospital Stays
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes meningitis, bloodstream infections and a large share of community‑acquired pneumonia. To broaden protection against these diseases, NACI issued a major update in November 2024. They strongly recommend one dose of either 20‑valent or 21‑valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneu‑C‑20 or Pneu‑C‑21) for all adults 65 years and older, and for adults under 65 with chronic conditions that raise their risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. The recommended interval between a previous polysaccharide vaccine (Pneu‑P‑23) and the new conjugate vaccines is one year, but it may be shortened to eight weeks if rapid immunization is needed.
If Pneu‑C‑20 or Pneu‑C‑21 is unavailable, Pneu‑C‑15 followed by Pneu‑P‑23 remains an option, but the higher‑valency vaccines provide broader serotype coverage. Like the flu and RSV vaccines, pneumococcal shots can be safely administered alongside other vaccines.
Co‑administration and Convenience: Why Bundle Your Visit?
Modern immunization schedules are complex, but that doesn’t mean you need to juggle multiple appointments. NACI notes that influenza vaccines may be given on the same day as other vaccines, and provincial guides encourage co‑administering influenza, RSV, pneumococcal and COVID‑19 vaccines to maximize uptake. Evergreen Compounding Pharmacy’s Fall Immunization Bundle takes advantage of this by pairing your shots with any prescription pick‑ups or minor‑ailment assessments you need.
Here’s what to expect during your Bundle Visit:
- Personal Risk Review – A pharmacist chats with you about travel plans, chronic conditions, caregiver duties and living arrangements. This helps determine which vaccines are most beneficial for you and whether a high‑dose flu shot, RSV vaccine or pneumococcal series is appropriate.
- Shot Selection – In addition to the standard seasonal flu vaccine and kids’ formulations, we stock enhanced senior‑dose versions, RSV vaccines for adults, and pneumococcal options. We’ll happily explain the differences and verify what’s publicly funded in Alberta.
- Red‑Carpet Extras – A free blood‑pressure check, an inhaler‑technique refresh for those with asthma or COPD, and an optional blister‑pack refill while you relax in our observation zone.
Most patients are in and out in under 30 minutes and walk away with a season’s worth of protection.
Common Questions, Straight Answers
“Will I feel sick after?”
Most people notice only a heavy arm or mild fatigue. Serious reactions are exceptionally rare, and our team monitors everyone on site for at least 15 minutes after immunization. Staying hydrated and moving your arm helps minimize soreness.
“Can I get more than one shot at the same time?”
Absolutely. The evidence shows that receiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccines together is safe and allows your immune system to build protection efficiently. We rotate injection sites so you aren’t too sore in one spot.
“What about kids under five?”
Children aged six months to four years are especially vulnerable to influenza. However, those age category are vaccinated in provincial clinics not in local pharmacies. We can administer vaccines to kids five years old and above. Our paediatric corner offers distraction toys options where appropriate to make the kids ok while taking their vaccines. Parents often report fewer tears here than in big‑box clinics.
“I’m pregnant. Should I get an RSV or flu shot?”
Flu vaccination is recommended in every pregnancy because it protects both parent and baby. RSVpreF (Pfizer) is authorized for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks to protect infants. Your pharmacist or physician can help decide if that’s right for you.
Timing Tips & Logistics
- Book now, shoot later: our walk-in begins normally around 1-10 October of each year based on vaccine availability; choose any time to come by our location from October 1 onward to ensure your immune system is ready before Thanksgiving.
- Family block booking: reserve adjacent times for the whole household — one stop for flu, RSV and other vaccines.
- Documentation delivered: we provide electronic proof of vaccination for workplaces or travel, automatically uploaded to Alberta’s provincial record.
- Delivery & follow‑up: Calgary winters can turn sidewalks into skating rinks overnight. We’ll deliver any prescription medication or OTC that you may need (including thermometer, blood pressure measuring equipment, and any new prescriptions) across the city, from Bowness to Seton, free of charge. A pharmacist calls two days later to check in and answer any questions.
Don’t Let Dry Air Win This Fall
Viruses love the low humidity of Calgary’s heating season. Keeping indoor humidity between 40 % and 60 % increases natural disinfectant compounds in the air and helps droplets fall rather than float. Along with good ventilation, consider using a humidifier once the heat comes on.
Vaccination, however, remains the most reliable way to prevent severe illness. By planning ahead and bundling your vaccines, you protect not just yourself but your loved ones and our community. Spots fill quickly once back‑to‑school germs hit. Book your Fall Immunization Bundle at evergreencompoundingpharmacy.ca or call 403‑930‑1722 today — because prevention tastes better than chicken soup.
The information provided here is based on evidence from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) as of July 2025. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
