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Immunizations

Publication date: October 7, 2024

B.C. has one of the most comprehensive immunization programs in Canada.

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Routine immunization in B.C.

Immunizations, a process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccinations, is important for people of all ages. It helps your immune system recognize and quickly kill bacteria and viruses, which can cause serious illness or death.

Keeping your immunizations up to date helps protect yourself, your community and B.C.’s health care system.

Immunizations are provided at public health units, doctor's or nurse practitioner's offices, and pharmacies throughout the province. The B.C. Immunization Schedule can help you determine when you or your family needs to be immunized and how to access these vaccines:

Vaccines for respiratory illnesses

Getting immunized against respiratory illnesses is the most effective way to stay safe.

Get your flu and COVID-19 immunization at the same time

Everyone 6 months or older can get your updated influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time this respiratory illness season.

Learn more about how to book your appointment.

Flu 

The best way to prevent flu is by getting immunized each year. Everyone 6 months and older can get a free flu vaccine this fall/winter.

Influenza (Flu) vaccine

COVID-19

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against severe illness from COVID-19. Everyone 6 months of age and older can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

The HPV vaccine is a cancer-preventing vaccine that can benefit you, no matter your sex, gender, sexual orientation or sexual activity status.  It is given as a series of either 2 or 3 doses over a 6 month period.

In B.C., the HPV vaccine is offered to all students in grade 6 as part of B.C.’s routine immunization program. People who missed getting the HPV vaccine can receive it for free as long as they get their first dose before they turn 19 and the last dose before they turn 26. 

It is also recommended and free for individuals ages 9 to 26 who are:

  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive
  • Two-Spirit, transgender or non-binary
  • Males who have/may have sex with males, including those who may not yet be sexually active
  • Males who are street-involved​

Get the facts about immunization

For health information and advice about immunization:

Keep your immunization records up to date

Access your immunization records

Register for Health Gateway to view or download your immunization records.

Update your immunization records

If your immunization records are missing on Health Gateway, they can be entered into the electronic Provincial Immunization Registry. 

I need help

Phone the call centre if you need help with your flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments:

Call: 1-833-838-2323 

7 days a week: 7 am to 7 pm (Monday, November 11: 9 am – 5 pm) | Translators are available

Outside Canada and the USA: 1-604-681-4261

Translators services are available in more than 220 languages, including:

  • 國粵語
  • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
  • فارسی
  • Français
  • Español

Telephone for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: Dial 711

Video Relay Services (VRS) sign language interpretation is free for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired