Information for patients
Updated: Sept. 8, 2022
On Sept. 6, the Province announced plans for the fall COVID-19 booster campaign, which includes the Moderna (Spikevax) bivalent vaccine. The bivalent vaccine has a greater effect against the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and targets the original SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2019 and the Omicron (BA.1) variant. Health Canada has approved it for the use in individuals aged 18 years and older.
Approximately 1,100 pharmacies across British Columbia will be offering COVID-19 boosters, including the bivalent. More than 500 pharmacies will be the first to receive the Moderna bivalent vaccine by Sept. 9, 2022, with more than 500 additional pharmacies coming on board by mid-September.
Pharmacies will also be offering the Pfizer bivalent vaccine, which still requires approval by Health Canada, but is expected to arrive later in September.
In addition to the mRNA vaccines, pharmacies are also able to offer the Novavax and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines for those 18 years and old.
British Columbians are eligible for their booster shot six months after their last vaccination. Invitations for boosters will be sent based on priority groups, starting with health care workers, residents of long-term care and assisted living settings, adults aged 60 years and older, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable:
- 12 years and up with underlying medical condition or disability
- people who are First Nations, Metis or Inuit
- Residents of other congregate living settings
Monovalent vaccines will continue to be available for the general population.
If you have not yet received your first vaccine, simply register with the Province's Get Vaccinated system, which will allow you to book your appointment online with a pharmacy that is located near you. Or call 1-833-838-2323 to register and book.
British Columbians are encouraged to book their booster shot at a pharmacy as soon as they receive their invitation from the Get Vaccinated system. The Get Vaccinated system issues invitations to people at 182 days after their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Please book your appointment online as soon as you receive your invitation to book, or call 1-833-838-2323.
If your email or mobile number has changed since first registering with the Get Vaccinated system or you need access to your vaccination records, please visit the Province's Immunization page for more information.
NOTE: For boosters for children aged five to 11, appointments will be made available at clinics hosted by regional health authorities.