Flu Shot in Southwest Calgary 2026: Your Evergreen Family Guide to a Healthy Flu Season
The leaves are turning along Fish Creek Park, school is back in full swing, and the 2026-27 flu season is on its way to southwest Calgary. Alberta’s free influenza immunization program starts on Monday, October 19, 2026, and Evergreen Compounding Pharmacy in the Evergreen community is ready to help you and your family get protected. This guide is for our neighbours in Evergreen, Bridlewood, Shawnessy, Millrise, Somerset, Silverado and Woodbine who want a fast, friendly flu shot in southwest Calgary, close to home.
Your 2026 flu shot at a glance
| Program start | October 19, 2026 |
| Cost | Free for all Albertans aged 6 months and older |
| At our pharmacy | Anyone aged 5 and older |
| Children 6 months to 4 years | Book through Health Link (811) or a public health clinic |
| What to bring | Your Alberta Health Care card and a list of your current medications |
| Where | 2505 Eversyde Avenue SW, Calgary |
Flu viruses change from year to year, and the protection from last fall’s shot fades over time. That is why public health experts recommend a new flu vaccine every season. Your body needs about two weeks after the shot to build protection, so getting it early in the season gives you the best head start before flu activity peaks.
Living with diabetes? Your flu shot matters even more
People living with diabetes are more likely to develop serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, and illness can make blood sugar harder to control. A yearly flu shot is one of the simplest ways to lower that risk. Our team includes a pharmacist who is a Certified Diabetes Educator, so when you come in for your flu shot you can also ask about your sick-day plan, how to adjust your blood sugar checks when you are unwell, and which medications to keep on hand this winter.
The flu shot is also strongly recommended for adults 65 and older, pregnant people, young children, and anyone with heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or a weakened immune system.
Flu or common cold? How to tell the difference
- How it starts: the flu usually hits suddenly, while a cold creeps in over a day or two.
- Fever and aches: fever, chills and strong body aches are common with the flu and less common with a cold.
- Energy: the flu can leave you exhausted and in bed for days; a cold is usually milder.
- Nose and throat: a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing point more toward a cold.
If you are not sure what you have, or your symptoms are getting worse, call our pharmacist or Health Link at 811. Seek emergency care right away for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or signs of dehydration.
Getting ready for your flu shot: a 5-step checklist
- Book or walk in. Call us at (403) 930-1722 to book, book online through the Alberta booking tool, or drop by during our open hours.
- Wear short sleeves or a loose top so your upper arm is easy to reach.
- Bring your Alberta Health Care card and a list of your medications.
- Tell the pharmacist about any allergies or reactions to past vaccines.
- Plan to stay about 15 minutes after your shot so we can make sure you feel well.
Most people feel fine afterward. A sore arm, mild tiredness or a low fever for a day or two are common and usually pass on their own. The flu shot cannot give you the flu.
Other fall vaccines you can ask us about
- COVID-19: starting October 19, 2026, provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines are available for Albertans 65 and older and for people in eligible higher-risk groups. Albertans 12 and older who are not eligible for a funded dose can purchase the vaccine at participating pharmacies.
- RSV: a free, one-time RSV vaccine is available for adults 70 and older, and for some higher-risk adults. Ask our pharmacist if you qualify.
In most cases, your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same visit. Our pharmacist will review what is right for you.
If the flu catches you anyway
Rest, drink plenty of fluids and stay home so you do not pass it on. If you are at higher risk, contact your doctor or our pharmacist early, because antiviral medication works best when started within about 48 hours of symptoms. When you are too sick to leave the house, we offer free prescription delivery across southwest Calgary. And if a child or senior in your family has trouble swallowing tablets, our compounding lab can prepare prescribed medications in an easier-to-take form, such as a flavoured liquid.
Flu shot FAQ
Is the flu shot free in Alberta?
Yes. The influenza vaccine is free for all Albertans aged 6 months and older.
Can I walk in for a flu shot at Evergreen Compounding Pharmacy?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome during our open hours, subject to vaccine supply. Booking ahead by phone helps you skip the wait.
Can my child get the flu shot at the pharmacy?
Children aged 5 and older can get their flu shot with us. Children 6 months to 4 years can be immunized through public health; call Health Link at 811 to book.
When is the best time to get my flu shot?
As soon as the program opens on October 19. It takes about two weeks to build protection, and flu cases in Alberta usually climb in late fall and winter.
Get your flu shot in Evergreen, southwest Calgary
Evergreen Compounding Pharmacy – Remedy’sRx
2505 Eversyde Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
Phone: (403) 930-1722
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, closed Sunday
Proudly serving Evergreen, Bridlewood, Shawnessy, Millrise, Somerset, Silverado, Woodbine and the surrounding southwest Calgary communities. For the latest provincial information, visit the Government of Alberta’s respiratory virus season page.
