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

Called “Protect Your Health and That of Your Loved Ones,” the initiative — which includes a video — is designed to support a public health effort for flu prevention, Jean Coutu said Tuesday. The flu shot will be offered in more than 300 stores in the Jean Coutu network throughout Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Patients can make an appointment at the store, by phone or online at healthappointment.jeancoutu.com. Jean 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 nurse, according to Jean Coutu.

“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.”

Jean Coutu Group’s retail network encompasses 420 franchised stores in Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario under the banners PJC Jean Coutu, PJC Clinique, PJC Santé and PJC Santé Beauté.