Vaccination against flu and COVID-19

Make an appointment for your flu shot

Vaccination is the best means of prevention to protect your health and that of your loved ones. Make an appointment now!

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What to do on the day of your appointment

Have your documents ready

Bring your health insurance card, as well as any other useful information about your allergies or medical history.

Dress appropriately

Wear clothing that provides easy access to your upper arm to facilitate the process.

Plan to remain on site for a short time after the vaccination

you will be asked to stay for about 15 minutes after the injection so the medical team can monitor you for any adverse reactions.

Take care of yourself afterwards

Watch for possible mild side effects (fatigue, arm pain, low-grade fever) and follow your pharmacist’s advice if necessary.

Your questions (and our answers) about vaccination

Are you wondering if the flu or COVID-19 vaccine is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know before your appointment.

Flu vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine

Who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine?

The flu (influenza) vaccine is offered free of charge to anyone aged 6 months and over. It is particularly recommended for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who are immunosuppressed or suffering from chronic illnesses. It is also recommended for people who work with these people on a regular basis, such as medical staff and caregivers.

When should I get a flu shot?

It’s best to get your flu shot in the fall, before the height of flu season. That way you’ll have the best protection when the influenza virus is circulating the most.

Why is it important to get a flu shot every year?

Because the flu virus changes from season to season! The vaccine is updated annually to target the flu strains that are most likely to be in circulation.

Are there any contraindications?

Yes. The flu vaccine may not be recommended for people who have had a severe allergic reaction or a severe reaction to a flu vaccine or any of its ingredients in the past. It may also be unsuitable for people who have previously suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome or oculorespiratory syndrome after receiving a vaccine. Moreover, it is not recommended for those with any kind of illness that causes a high fever at the time of vaccination.

When in doubt, consult with your pharmacist or another health care professional before getting vaccinated.

What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?

The vaccine reduces the severity of symptoms and helps prevent complications such as pneumonia or hospitalization.

Does the flu vaccine protect against colds and COVID-19?

No. The flu vaccine works only against the influenza virus. It does not offer protection against the common cold, COVID-19, or other respiratory infections.

What are the possible side effects?

The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually mild and temporary. Fatigue, headaches, and pain/swelling/redness at the injection site are among the most common side effects.

Flu and COVID-19: symptoms and treatments

Since antibiotics are ineffective against flu and COVID-19, the only way to reduce symptoms is by using the recommended treatments available in pharmacies.

Flu (influenza)

Fever

Treatment: analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

Productive cough

Treatment: expectorants (guaifenesin, ivy leaf)

Dry cough

Treatment: cough suppressants² (dextromethorphan)

Sinus congestion

Treatments: saline solutions (nasal spray, drops, nasal irrigation), oral decongestants³ (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine), nasal decongestants³ (oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)

Nasal drip

Treatment: antihistamines (diphenhydramine)

² Certain cough syrups may interact with prescription drugs.

³ Decongestants are contraindicated in the presence of certain diseases and in association with certain medications. They can also impair sleep. Do not use nasal sprays for more than 5 days to avoid rebound nasal congestion.

COVID-19

Fever

Treatment: analgesics/antipyretics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

Persistent cough

Treatment: cough suppressants (dextromethorphan)

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Treatments: bronchodilator (salbutamol⁴), oxygen therapy⁵

Fatigue, aches, headaches

Treatment: analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

Loss of taste or smell

Treatment: none (gradual disappearance⁶).

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Treatments: oral rehydration solutions (electrolytes), anti-nauseants (dimenhydrinate, ondansetron), antidiarrheals (loperamide⁷).

⁴ If prescribed.

⁵ For more severe cases, under medical supervision.

⁶ In the case of long COVID, loss of taste or smell may persist for several weeks or even months after the infection.

⁷ If necessary, and on the advice of a health care professional.

Health care tips

Advice from your pharmacists to help you prevent and manage respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19.

Flu vaccine

Read the article

The Basics on COVID-19

Read the article

Rhume ou grippe? 9 indices pour les différencier

Cold or flu? 9 ways to tell them apart

Read the article

Influenza and COVID-19: how can you tell the difference?

What are the symptoms of the flu and how are they different from those of COVID-19? Who should get the flu shot? We talked to Myriam Tremblay, pharmacist-owner affiliated with Brunet, to find out more.

* Podcast in French only.

Listen to the episode

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The medications and pharmaceutical services presented on brunet.ca are offered by pharmacist-owners of Brunet-affiliated pharmacies. The information presented on brunet.ca is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult a health care professional before taking or discontinuing any medication or making any other decision in this regard. McMahon Distributeur pharmaceutique inc., its subsidiaries, and Brunet’s affiliated pharmacists assume no liability whatsoever in making this information available on this website.

Vaccination is the best means of prevention