2026 Flu and COVID Vaccinations — Gourlay's Pharmacy Banff

Fall has finally arrived in the Bow Valley and that means one thing… flu season is coming! That’s right, folks, it's time to talk about flu and COVID-19 vaccines. So, grab your pumpkin spiced latte and let’s get talk about staying healthy this season.

The Cliff Notes:

Where: Gourlay's Pharmacy in Banff
When: Starting October 19, 2026
Cost: Flu vaccinations are free for those with Alberta Health. COVID-19 vaccines are also covered by Alberta Health for some individuals and privately funded COVID-19 vaccinations are available for $150*.
Booking: Book your appointment online. Walk-ins are also welcome, subject to availability. Only one appointment booking is necessary if you would like to receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
What to bring: Your Alberta Health card and note your allergies, vaccine history, and medical history.

Flu Vaccinations

Flu vaccinations are available starting October 19th and are free for those with Alberta Health.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccines will be available at Gourlay’s Pharmacy this 2026 immunization season. They are covered by Alberta Health for the following individuals:

All adults 65 years of age or older
Residents of continuing care homes and supportive living accommodations
Individuals experiencing houselessness
Individuals who are pregnant
First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals
Health care workers
Teachers, as eligible under the Back to School Act
Individuals with the following medical conditions:
- Cancer (currently receiving treatment)
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver diseases
- Chronic lung diseases
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Disabilities (e.g. Down syndrome, learning, intellectual, or developmental disabilities; ADHD; cerebral palsy; congenital disabilities; spinal cord injuries)
- Heart conditions (e.g., cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, heart failure, etc.)
- HIV infection
- Mental health disorders (limited to: mood disorders, including depression; schizophrenia spectrum disorders)
- Obesity
- Tuberculosis

All other individuals can purchase a privately funded vaccine. Kindly note the cost of this vaccination will be between $130-$150*, but some private insurance plans do cover it.

*As of September 17th 2026 we are still waiting on a cost confirmation from the manufacturers.

Book an Appointment

Only one appointment booking is necessary if you would like to receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Why Get Vaccinated?

These viruses can hit hard, leading to fever, chills, and extreme tiredness. Nobody wants to miss out on hitting the slopes because they’re bedridden with the flu or COVID.

Getting vaccinated is your best defence! It reduces the risk of falling ill and contributes to herd immunity, meaning fewer people in your community will get sick.

Who Can Get Vaccinated?

Good news! Flu vaccine are available for everyone aged 5 years and older. If your little one is under 5 years, please see the Banff Community Health Centre.

For COVID-19 vaccines, you are eligible for a booster shot as long as it has been 3 months since your last shot.

What to Expect?

Before your appointment:

Come a few minutes early to fill out a form. Bring your Alberta Health card and note your allergies, vaccine history, and medical history.

After getting the flu shot:

We’ll ask you to hang around for 15 minutes to make sure you’re feeling A-OK. Some people may have a rare, but serious allergic reaction.

Following your shots you might experience a little soreness at the injection site.There can also be mild, short-term side effects, including a fever or chills, feeling tired, a headache, body aches, poor appetite, or upset stomach. It’s rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine.