VARENNES, Quebec — The Jean Coutu Group and its pharmacist-owners have launched a campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the need to get a flu shot.

Called “Protect Your Health and That of Your Loved Ones,” the initiative is designed to support a public health effort for flu prevention, Coutu said.

The flu shots will be offered in more than 300 stores in the Coutu network throughout Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Patients can make an appointment at the store, by phone or online. Coutu noted that its website makes it easy for customers to find a nearby store providing flu vaccinations, select a convenient time and send an online appointment request for one or several people.

Depending on the province, flu vaccines are administered by a pharmacist or a nurse, Coutu said.

“Flu season is upon us. We are very pleased to make the flu shot available in many of the stores in our network,” Richard Mayrand, executive vice president of pharmacy and government affairs, said in a statement. “The vaccination remains the best way to protect your health and that of your loved ones.”