Influenza (flu) vaccine

Influenza vaccines will be available in fall 2026 to help protect you during viral respiratory illness season. If an influenza vaccine is recommended for you, you will receive a notification through the Get Vaccinated system when it's time to book your appointment. 

English | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Français | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ  | Tagalog

On this page

• Influenza immunizations for respiratory illness season
• I need help

Influenza immunizations for respiratory illness season

Influenza 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 complications and even death.

The best way to prevent influenza is by getting a vaccine each year. Learn more about influenza at HealthLink BC.

Everyone 6 months and older can get an influenza immunization in the fall and winter

All B.C. residents 6 months and older can get an influenza immunization free of charge in the fall and winter.

While anyone can get sick with influenza, it's strongly recommended that people at high risk of severe disease and complications get immunized, including: 

• Adults 65 years and older
• People of any age living in long-term care or assisted living
• People who are immunocompromised or have a chronic illness
• Indigenous people six months of age and older
• Children 6 months to under 5 years
• People who are pregnant

The vaccine is also strongly recommended for people who can transmit the virus to those at high risk and those who provide essential community services like first responders.

Enhanced vaccines are available for seniors

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

Influenza can cause serious illness in children

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

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

The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose in the fall each year. Children under 9 who have never had an influenza vaccine need 2 doses, 4 weeks between each dose. The second dose is important to raise their level of protection to their first dose. ​

I want my child to get an influenza vaccine 

You have multiple options to get a 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 influenza vaccines

I need help

Phone the call centre if you have questions about your influenza 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). 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