Draft for clinical review. Qualified clinical reviewer: Pending. Review date: Pending. This article is for general education and does not confirm that a particular vaccine is available at Peoples Medical Clinic or Peoples Pharmacy.
A little preparation can make a vaccination appointment easier and help your healthcare professional review which vaccines may be appropriate for you or your child. Vaccine recommendations and eligibility can depend on age, previous immunizations, health conditions, medicines, pregnancy, work, travel, and other risk factors.
Contact the location providing the vaccine to confirm eligibility, availability, booking requirements, and what identification or records you should bring.
Before the appointment
Check the appointment date, time, and location. Ask whether the vaccine requires an appointment and whether there are costs or eligibility requirements.
Gather any immunization records you have, especially records for vaccines received outside Alberta or Canada. Alberta records may not include every vaccine given at a pharmacy, doctor’s office, travel clinic, or outside the province.
Prepare an up-to-date list of:
- prescription and non-prescription medicines;
- vitamins and supplements;
- allergies;
- previous vaccine reactions; and
- current health concerns or recent illness.
Do not stop a medicine before vaccination unless a qualified healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
What to bring
The location may ask you to bring:
- your Alberta Personal Health Card or Personal Health Number;
- government-issued identification;
- your immunization record, including records from another province or country;
- your medication and allergy list;
- relevant health or referral information; and
- a list of questions.
For a child, bring any documents requested by the immunization provider and items that may help the child feel calm and comfortable.
Questions to ask
Consider asking:
- Which vaccine is being recommended, and what does it protect against?
- How many doses are needed, and when should the next dose be given?
- What common short-term side effects may occur?
- What should I do if a side effect occurs?
- Are there symptoms that require urgent medical attention?
- Could my health conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or medicines affect this vaccination?
- How will this vaccine be added to my immunization record?
- Where can I find the approved patient information for this vaccine?
Tell the immunizing healthcare professional if you have previously fainted during an injection or medical procedure, have had a serious allergic reaction, feel unwell, or are anxious about needles. This helps the team plan appropriate support and positioning.
During and after the appointment
The healthcare professional should confirm the vaccine and answer your questions before it is given. Follow their instructions about how long to remain at the location afterward.
Ask for an updated immunization record and keep it in a safe place. Record any side effects and follow the instructions provided by the immunization team. Mild, short-term effects can occur after vaccination; the expected effects vary by vaccine.
Call Health Link at 811 if you have questions about side effects or need non-emergency health advice. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Confirm vaccine availability directly
Vaccine programs, eligibility, supply, and delivery locations can change. Contact the clinic, pharmacy, public health centre, or Health Link before travelling. This draft does not state which vaccines Peoples Medical Clinic or Peoples Pharmacy currently provides.
