Students and other University of Calgary community members can protect themselves against this year’s flu by getting vaccinated on campus in the coming days.
The pop-up clinics will operate across four U of C campuses, with flu shots being offered on main campus at Machall’s North Courtyard from Oct. 19-23, at the Spy Hill campus on Oct. 27, the Foothills campus from Oct. 29-30 and at the Downtown campus on Nov. 3. All clinics will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on their respective days of operation.
Flu season is hitting Alberta earlier this year. As of Oct. 3, there have been 411 documented cases in the province. Over half of the reported 232 cases — including six ICU admissions and one death — had occurred in the Calgary zone.
Flu vaccination rates over the past five seasons have decreased from 37 per cent in 2020-2021 to 20 per cent in 2025-2026.
According to Alberta Health’s “Respiratory virus dashboard”, the 2025-2026 tracker reports that only 8.6 per cent of Albertans aged 20-24 were immunized against the flu — the lowest coverage of any group provincewide.
The Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet that was published by Primary Care Alberta says everyone is at risk of contracting the flu. Influenza may lead to more serious consequences for those who are immunocompromised.
U of C’s Environment, Health & Safety website offers a page with vital information about the program, including links to further information about the flu and vaccines alongside a list of debunked myths and frequently asked questions.
The campus clinics cannot provide shots to minors or family members who are not directly affiliated with the University of Calgary. A healthcare card is required, although it does not have to be an Alberta provincial healthcare card.
Pre-registration for the flu shot clinics is encouraged on the university’s website and can be accessed online. The Main Campus clinic will be open to walk-ins only, other campuses will be open to both walk-ins and appointments which can be made on the dedicated webpage.
Those receiving the shot are asked to bring their pre-registration barcode, their health card and to wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arms and shoulders.
All members of the campus community can visit the provincial website on immunizations, call Health Link at 811 or get in touch with Student Wellness Services for medical information.
