Beginning immunizations for viral respiratory season

VICTORIA -

Summary

• Vaccines are available for influenza and COVID-19
• Notifications began for priority populations on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, and appointments will start as early as Tuesday, Oct. 13
• Notifications will continue and will expand to the general population through early November 2026
• New this year: Seniors 75+ and Indigenous people 60+ are eligible for the RSV vaccine

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With this year's respiratory illness season underway, people in British Columbia will continue to get safe and effective free vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses.

Vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease are also available.

"We're starting to see influenza circulating in the province, and with the respiratory illness season officially starting, it's an important time for people to book their appointment to get immunized," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer. "Vaccines provide one of the best defences against respiratory illnesses, and they help keep you, your family and your community healthy and safe."

Higher risk groups

While anyone can get sick from influenza or COVID-19, some groups are at higher risk of serious illness and complications. For influenza, this includes infants and children under five years. For both COVID-19 and influenza, these include:

• adults 65 and older
• pregnant individuals
• people living in long-term care
• Indigenous people
• those with chronic conditions

While it's not a requirement to be vaccinated to work in a health-care setting, it is strongly recommended that people who provide essential community and health-care services receive the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Immunization with updated vaccines remains the best way to protect yourself, your patients and the health-care system.

B.C.'s viral respiratory illness immunization campaign aligns with recommendations from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization, and aims to ensure priority for those most at risk. Vaccines are free, safe, easy to access and available to everyone six months old and older.

"In addition to getting immunized, cleaning your hands regularly, covering sneezes and coughs, and staying home when you're sick are tried and true ways to move safely through this season when we're seeing more viral transmission," Henry said.

Notifications to book appointments

Notifications began for priority populations on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, and appointments will start as early as Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. Notifications will continue and expand to the general population through early November 2026.

Notifications to book influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are being sent through the Get Vaccinated registration system. Anyone not registered in the Get Vaccinated system can register online or by calling 1-833-838-2323. Vaccines are available through health authority clinics, more than 1,400 participating pharmacies and some primary-care providers' offices.

Children two years and older can get the influenza vaccine as a nasal spray.

B.C. has secured nearly two milliondoses of the 2026-27 influenza vaccine, and 1.5 million doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines, all of which are approved by Health Canada. This year's vaccine supply is based on uptake in previous seasons to ensure efficient use and to minimize waste.

In addition, starting in fall 2026, seniors in B.C. with the highest risk of serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can get the vaccine for free as part of a time-limited program. Eligible individuals include:

• adults 75 and older
• residents who are 75 and older living in long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals 60 and older

At this time, only one dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for long-term protection. Those who have received an RSV vaccine do not need another dose. The RSV vaccine is available year round. More appointments will be available in the coming months as more doses arrive in B.C. and are distributed to RSV immunization locations.

Learn More:

To learn more about B.C.'s immunization program and how to get vaccinated this fall, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/immunizations

To learn more about influenza (flu) vaccines, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/immunizations/flu

To learn more about RSV, visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine

To learn more about health information services in B.C, visit:
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/

Two backgrounders follow.