Viral respiratory illness season
Publication date: November 13, 2026Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to help protect you during viral respiratory illness season. All B.C. residents 6 months and older can get immunized.
Don’t miss out
Put this season’s respiratory illness vaccines on your to-do list. They’re safe, effective, and help prevent severe illness.
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How to get immunized
You can get immunized at participating pharmacies, health authority clinics and some primary-care providers' offices throughout the province. If you live in a First Nations community, you can contact your community health centre or nursing station to schedule an influenza and COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Book your influenza and COVID-19 immunization online
Notifications for influenza and COVID-19 immunization appointments have been sent to people who are recommended to get immunized. If you have not received a notification, you can still book your appointment through the Get Vaccinated system.
Book an appointmentHave your Personal Health Number (PHN) ready.
You can also check with a local pharmacy to see if they have walk-in appointments available or call the Get Vaccinated call centre at 1-833-838-2323 to book your appointment.
Keep your contact information up to date
Keep your contact information up to date in the Get Vaccinated system to receive notifications when it’s time to book your next influenza or COVID-19 immunization 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
Respiratory illness information
In fall and winter, we see more respiratory illnesses spreading in our communities, as the weather gets cooler and people spend more time indoors. Respiratory illnesses 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 illness immunization programs and prevention in B.C.:
I have questions
I haven’t received an influenza or COVID-19 immunization in B.C.
Add your contact information in the Get Vaccinated system to receive notifications when it’s time to book your influenza or COVID-19 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 do not have a PHN, call Health Insurance BC: 604-683-7151 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-663-7100 (toll-free elsewhere in B.C.)
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Closed on statutory holidays | Help is available in multiple languages free of cost
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 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 do not have a family doctor, call 8-1-1.
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.
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
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