Despite all the urging, only 36% of BC adults got a flu shot last year.
That's a plunge from 50% just two years earlier.
In fact, the number of people getting an annual flu jab is at a decade-low level.
There are a lot of reasons British Columbians aren't taking the influenza vaccine.
28% feel they aren't at risk.
And, then there's complacency.
19% say they simply didn't get around to getting the shot.
Plus, there's the 'vaccine fatigue' factor.
After the rush of almost everyone clamoring to get the COVID vaccine in 2020 and 2021 and boosters thereafter, people's appetite for vaccines has waned.
In fact, you can still get a COVID booster shot now, but uptake on that isn't very good either.
"Annual vaccination remains an important way to protect yourself and those around you," said Pharmasave head of pharmacy Billy Cheung.
"As this year's flu vaccines become available, we're encouraging Canadians to make getting their annual flu shot a priority this fall."
Even if you're healthy and not particularly at risk, you should get a flu shot, according to Cheung.
"Influenza can affect anyone and even if you don't become seriously ill yourself, you can pass it on to someone who is at greater risk of complications," he said.
"That's an important misconception pharmacists can help address. We can answer questions, talk through individual risk and help people make informed decisions about vaccination."
Hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases remain more than double pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
In 2024-25, 142 per 100,000 people ended up in the hospital with vaccine-preventable respiratory problems.
That breaks down to 25,501 hospitalizations for COVID, 19,225 for flu and 10,391 for respiratory syncytial virus.
Syncytial is a common, contagious virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs and can turn into bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
The pharmacy has become the most common place for Canadians to get a flu shot with 60% receiving them there.
"Vaccination doesn't end in childhood," added Cheung.
"Adults may need different vaccines or boosters depending on their age, health and other risk factors and many may not know whether they're up to date. When you come in for your flu shot, it's a good opportunity to ask your pharmacist to review your vaccination history and make sure you're not missing anything that's recommended for you."
