RICHMOND, British Columbia — London Drugs is spotlighting its pharmacies as a convenient place for Canadians to get a flu shot.

The western Canada drug chain said the 2016-17 seasonal flu vaccine is available at all of its 78 stores. Patients can book appointments online or call a London Drugs pharmacy. All locations also offer vaccinations on a walk-in basis when London Drugs certified injection pharmacists are on staff.

According to Jason Chan-Remillard, pharmacy manager at London Drugs, there’s likely to be a rise in demand for pharmacy-provided flu vaccines again this year. Busy Canadian families are increasingly taking advantage of pharmacies as an accessible alternative to public flu clinics, where they may have experienced long lines and wait times, he explained.

“People want to protect themselves and their families against the flu, but they want to come in and get it done at a time that suits them at a location close and convenient for them,” Chan-Remillard said in a statement. “Pharmacies have long hours, there are many locations and it’s a very simple process to protect yourself and others against influenza.”

This year’s flu vaccine protects against two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains and is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older. London Drugs certified injection pharmacists can provide the flu shot to adults and children ages 9 and older in Alberta and Saskatchewan, to adults and children ages 7 and older in Manitoba and to children ages 5 and older in British Columbia.

“Being proactive and prepared is the key to prevention,” Chan-Remillard added. “By getting the vaccination early in the season, as well as taking some simple and healthy preventative actions, you not only protect yourself but you also protect others because you are less likely to spread the flu.”

London Drugs’ 78 stores are located in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.