Influenza (flu) vaccine

Publication date: October 7, 2024

Help protect yourself and your community this respiratory illness season by getting your updated influenza (flu) and COVID-19 immunizations.

It's important to get your flu vaccine to protect yourself during the fall and winter.

Protect yourself from respiratory illness

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Everyone 6 months and older can get a flu vaccine

All B.C. residents 6 months and older can get a free flu vaccine in the fall and winter.

It's especially important to get a flu vaccine if you're:

Under 5 years or over 65 years
Pregnant
Living in long-term care or assisted living
Immunocompromised or have a chronic illness

Read the 2024/2025 seasonal influenza vaccine eligibility (PDF,134KB) from BCCDC for more information.

Enhanced vaccines are available for seniors

To help create a stronger immune response, enhanced vaccines are available for people 65 years and older.

Flu can cause serious illness in children

Younger children are at higher risk from respiratory illnesses like flu. To prevent serious illness, get your child immunized every year.

It's safe for your child to get their flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.

The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose. Children under 9 who have never had a flu vaccine need 2 doses, 4 weeks between each dose. The second dose is important to raise their level of protection.

I want my child to get a flu vaccine

You have multiple options to get a flu vaccine for your child in the fall and winter.

Book an appointment at a health authority clinic or pharmacy
- Online using the Get Vaccinated booking link you received for your child by email or text message
- Call 1-833-838-2323. We'll help you get the next available appointment
Book an appointment with your primary health care provider, if they offer flu shots

I need help

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I've never registered with the provincial Get Vaccinated system

If you don't have a PHN, you need to register by phone. A PHN will be created for you.

Call: 1-833-838-2323

I need personal health information and advice

If you still have questions about immunization in B.C, consult your doctor or health care provider.

If you don't have a family doctor, call 811.

I need help booking my appointment

Call: 1-833-838-2323 7 days a week: 7 am to 7 pm (Monday, November 11: 9 am – 5 pm) | Translators are available

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.

I'm not a resident of B.C.

Non-B.C. residents can phone the provincial call centre 1-833-838-2323 to book an appointment.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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