Flu shots at Acme Drug Mart are available from Monday, October 19, 2026. They're free for everyone 6 months and older through Alberta's flu vaccine program, and we give them to anyone 5 and up. Walk in any time during pharmacy hours, no appointment needed. Here's how it works, who's eligible and what's in this year's vaccine.
Flu shots at Acme: the quick facts
- Starts: Monday, October 19, 2026, and runs all flu season
- Cost: free, through Alberta's public flu vaccine program
- Who: everyone 6 months and older is eligible. At our pharmacy we vaccinate ages 5 and up
- Appointment: none needed, just walk in. Questions first? Call (780) 443-0202
- Hours: Monday 9 to 5, Tuesday to Friday 9 to 6, Saturday 11 to 5, closed Sunday
- Where: Unit 103, 15508 87 Ave NW in Meadowlark, West Edmonton, with free parking right outside (map and directions)
- Bring: your Alberta Health Care card
How to get your flu shot at Acme Drug Mart
- Walk in during pharmacy hours. There's no appointment or booking. If you'd like to check on anything before you come, call us at (780) 443-0202.
- Bring your Alberta Health Care card. We bill Alberta's flu program directly, so there's nothing for you to pay.
- Answer a few quick questions. Our pharmacist checks your age, your health and any past reactions, then gives the shot in our private consultation room.
- Stay with us for about 15 minutes. Everyone waits nearby for about 15 minutes after a vaccine so we can make sure you feel fine. Then you're on your way.
Afterwards your arm may be sore or a little red, and some people feel tired or have a mild fever for a day or two. That's your immune system responding, not the flu.
Who can get a free flu shot in Alberta?
Everyone in Alberta who is 6 months or older can get the flu vaccine for free. Pharmacists give flu shots to people 5 and older, so younger children get theirs at a public health clinic or from their family doctor.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends a flu shot every year for everyone 6 months and older. It matters most for:
- seniors 65 and older
- children under 5
- pregnant people
- people with a chronic health condition such as heart or lung disease, asthma or diabetes
- people with a weakened immune system
- people who live in a care facility
- Indigenous people
- health care workers, and anyone who lives with or cares for people in these groups
Getting vaccinated also protects the people around you who can't build strong protection on their own.
What's in the 2026 to 27 flu shot?
The 2026 to 27 influenza vaccine protects against the strains the World Health Organization selects each year from global surveillance: influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B. It is publicly funded in Alberta and free for residents 6 months and older with a valid Alberta Health card.
Different flu vaccines are made for different ages. Ask our pharmacist which flu vaccine is right for you, and we'll go through it with you before your shot.
Flu shot myths
"The flu shot can give me the flu."
It can't. Flu shots don't contain live virus. A sore arm or a mild fever for a day is your body building protection.
"Getting a flu shot every year weakens my immunity."
It doesn't. You need a new shot each year because the strains change and the protection from last year's shot fades.
"I'm healthy, so I don't need one."
Healthy people still catch and spread the flu. Your shot helps protect babies, seniors and anyone at higher risk around you.
When should you get your flu shot?
As soon as you can after October 19. Getting it by the end of October means you're protected before flu season usually peaks, between December and February. If you miss October, it's still worth getting, because flu season runs into the spring.
Children under 9 who are getting a flu shot for the first time need two doses, four weeks apart. Bring them in early so the second dose is done before peak season.
Flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine in one visit
Many people can get both on the same day. Ask our pharmacist, who will check your history first. Alberta's free COVID-19 vaccine also starts October 19 for people 65 and older and other higher risk groups. See who qualifies in our COVID and RSV vaccine guide.
Want more ways to stay well this winter? Read our flu season prep guide, or see every vaccine we give on our vaccinations page.