Immunization, a process by which a person becomes protected against a disease by receiving a vaccine, 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.
Immunizations for adults and children are provided at community pharmacies, public health units, community health centres, and primary care clinics throughout the province.
Learn more about immunizations at HealthLink BC:
Measles is making a resurgence in Canada, particularly among those who are not vaccinated or do not have immunity to measles. Review your immunization records on Health Gateway, and if needed, book an appointment to get the measles vaccine free of charge.
Learn more about the current measles situation in B.C. and Canada and how to keep you and your community safe:
If you may have been exposed to measles
Immunization is the best way to protect yourself from measles.
B.C.’s routine measles immunization program
In B.C., the measles vaccine is routinely given to children as a series of 2 doses.
Get an early or catch-up dose free of charge
Young children may need an early dose before travelling. Older children and adults who need protection against measles, mumps or rubella can also receive catch-up doses.
If someone is unsure of their immunization status, they should contact their health-care provider. It is safe to have an additional dose of measles vaccine.
Visit HealthLink BC's Understanding measles page for more information on eligibility.
You will be notified through the Get Vaccinated system when you are eligible to book your next COVID-19 and flu appointments.
Learn more about eligibility and how to stay up to date on your influenza (flu) vaccine.
Learn more about eligibility, vaccine options and how to stay up to date on your COVID-19 immunization.
The HPV vaccine is a cancer-preventing vaccine that's 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. If you missed a dose, you can still receive it at your local health care provider’s office or community pharmacy.
HPV vaccines are available at pharmacies, public health units, community health centres, and primary care clinics throughout B.C. Learn more about who should get the HPV vaccine and how to book an appointment at HealthLink BC.
Register for Health Gateway to view or download your immunization records. Children over the age of 12 need their own account.
If you check Health Gateway and your records are missing, they can be entered into the electronic Provincial Immunization Registry.
If your records are not on Health Gateway
If you’re planning to travel outside of Canada, you may need additional immunizations depending on your age, planned travel activities and local conditions.
Review immunization recommendations by destination on the Government of Canada website.
Phone the BC Vaccine Line to:
Monday - Friday: 7 am to 7 pm (Statutory holidays, 9 am to 5 pm) | Translators are available
Outside Canada and the USA: 1-604-681-4261
Translators services are available in more than 220 languages, including:
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