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Viral respiratory illness season

Publication date: October 5, 2026

Viral respiratory illnesses are more common in the fall and winter. Learn how to protect yourself and others and what to do if you get sick.

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How to get immunized

Everyone in B.C. can receive a dose of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine free of charge this fall and winter. You can get immunized at participating pharmacies, public health clinics, First Nations community health centres or nursing stations, and some primary-care providers' offices throughout the province.

If you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system, you will receive a notification when it's time to book your immunization(s). If this is your first time booking an appointment online, you can enter your contact information in the system to receive notifications in the future. 

In addition to booking your appointment online, you can phone the call centre at 1-833-838-2323 to book your appointment or check with a local pharmacy if they have walk-in appointments.

Other ways to prevent illness

In addition to getting immunized, you can help prevent yourself and others from getting sick by:

  • Cleaning your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use soap and water if your hands are visibly soiled
  • Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands
  • Staying home if you are feeling sick so you do not spread illness to others. If you cannot stay away from others, wearing a mask is recommended so you do not spread the disease to those around you

Additional information

In fall and winter, there are more viral respiratory illnesses spreading in communities, as the weather gets cooler and people spend more time indoors.

Respiratory viruses can cause serious health complications and even death. Getting immunized is the best way to protect yourself and those close to you.

Learn more about respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia:

I have questions ​

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I haven’t received a COVID-19 or influenza immunization in B.C

Add your contact information in the Get Vaccinated system to receive notifications when it’s time to book your COVID-19 and flu immunization appointments in the future.

Add your contact informationHave your Personal Health Number (PHN) ready.  

Each B.C. resident enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is given a PHN for health care. Find your PHN on the back of your driver’s license, your BC Services Card or CareCard.

If you don't have a PHN, call Health Insurance BC: 604-683-7151 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-663-7100 (toll-free elsewhere in B.C.)

 

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 8-1-1.

 

I need help booking my appointment

Call: 1-833-838-2323

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Saturdays from October 17 to November 7. Closed on statutory holidays | Translators are available

Telephone for people who are deaf or hard of hearing : Dial 7-1-1

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.

Community pharmacists can only immunize B.C. residents with a Personal Health Number. Non-B.C. residents can contact a local public health unit or call the provincial vaccine line 1-833-838-2323 (toll free) to ask about vaccine appointment availability.

Phone the call centre if you have questions about your COVID-19, influenza or RSV immunization options and need help booking an appointment. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about when you should get the vaccine.

Call: 1-833-838-2323

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (Pacific Time). Saturdays from October 17 to November 7. Closed on statutory holidays | Help is available in multiple languages free of cost
 
Outside Canada and the USA: 1-604-681-4261
 
For help in a language other than English, please say the name of your language when you call. The phone line supports 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