British Columbians are being urged to protect themselves and their communities from influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses as the province’s 2025-26 immunization campaign rolls out.
“The respiratory virus season typically starts in mid-to-late fall, and we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones protected,” said Dr. Martin Lavoie, B.C.’s deputy provincial health officer. “Immunization remains the best protection against severe disease, complications, and hospitalization.”
Vaccinations are free and available to everyone six months and older, with priority given to those at higher risk — including people 65 and older, pregnant individuals, Indigenous communities, residents of long-term care, and those with chronic health conditions.
Health Minister Josie Osborne thanked British Columbians for getting vaccinated, as well as health professionals delivering the shots, noting that immunization helps prevent serious illness and keeps the health-care system from being overwhelmed.
Invitations to book vaccine appointments began October 7 through B.C.’s Get Vaccinated system, with clinics and pharmacies across the province now administering doses.
This year, B.C. has secured 1.94 million flu shots and 1.4 million updated COVID-19 vaccines — Moderna Spikevax LP.8.1 and Pfizer Comirnaty — both approved by Health Canada.
As of October 19, nearly 275,000 people had received a flu shot and 215,000 had received a COVID-19 vaccine.
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