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 a very serious and highly contagious illness that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death.
Since the introduction of the measles vaccine, rates of measles infections have dropped significantly in Canada and around the world. However, recently there has been a very significant increase in measles cases in the province and across Canada.
People who are at greatest risk of contracting measles are those who are unvaccinated against the disease and who have no immunity from past exposures.
Review your immunization records on Health Gateway, and if needed, book an appointment to get the measles vaccine free of charge.
Visit Understanding measles at HealthLink BC for more on measles symptoms, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself.
Measles immunizations for children
In B.C., the measles vaccine is routinely given to children as a series of 2 doses.
Earlier doses may be recommended if children are traveling to areas where there is a significant risk of measles transmission.
Read more about Measles vaccine for children at HealthLink BC.
Measles immunizations for adults
People are considered immune to measles and typically do not need further immunization if they:
Immunization is recommended for the following people if they have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine and have not had measles:
If someone is unsure of their immunization status, they should check Health Gateway and/or contact their health care provider.
Read more about Measles vaccines for adults at HealthLink BC.
Measles monitoring in B.C and Canada
Learn more about the current measles situation in B.C. and Canada and how to keep you and your community safe:
Exposure to measles
You will be notified through the Get Vaccinated system when you are eligible to book your next appointment.
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 safe and helps prevent cancers caused by HPV. As part of B.C.’s school immunization program, students are offered the vaccine in grade 6 and through multi-grade catch-up clinics.
B.C. is expanding who can access the HPV vaccine for free. The number of doses needed for full immunization is also being reduced. These changes are in line with updated recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and B.C.’s immunization experts.
Eligibility for free HPV vaccine in B.C.
The vaccine is free for people:
Number of HPV vaccine doses
The number of doses depends on your age and whether you are at increased risk of HPV:
B.C.'s school immunization program will use the updated dose schedule starting September 2025.
People turning 27 and those newly eligible who are turning 46 in 2025 will have a grace period until the end of the year to start their free HPV immunization. All doses given as part of the series will be covered.
Get the HPV vaccine (HealthLink BC)
If you missed getting a dose in school, contact a pharmacy, public health unit, community health centre or your primary care provider to book an appointment.
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