BC – 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.
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.
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.