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Immunizations

Publication date: March 28, 2025

B.C. has one of the most comprehensive immunization programs in Canada. Immunizations for adults and children are provided at public health units and pharmacies throughout the province.

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Routine immunization in B.C.

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, doctors' or nurse practitioners' 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:

Your seasonal COVID-19 and flu immunizations

Getting immunized against respiratory illnesses is the most effective way to stay safe.

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. B.C.’s COVID-19 spring program will run from April 8 to June 30. The program is focused on providing vaccines to those most at risk of severe COVID-19 illness or complications.

Learn more about how to book your appointment.

Measles

In B.C., the measles vaccine is given to children as a series of two doses. Check your immunization records before travelling to areas where measles is spreading. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

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. 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:

Access and update my immunization records

Access my records

Register for Health Gateway to view or download your immunization records.

Update my records

If your immunization records are missing on Health Gateway, they can be entered into the electronic Provincial Immunization Registry. 

If your records are not in Health Gateway:

  • You may have received a paper record at the time of immunization. For example, in B.C., immunizations may be recorded in the Child Health Passport
  • Contact the health care provider that gave the vaccines
  • Contact the community health nurse if the vaccines were given in a First Nations community
  • If you’ve moved to B.C. from another province or country, contact the immunization provider or local public health unit and ask to have the records sent to you

I need help

Phone the call centre if you need help with your flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments:

Call: 1-833-838-2323 

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:

  • 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