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
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.