Information for patients
Updated: April 11, 2024
British Columbians have been able to get their influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations at B.C. community pharmacies during the fall flu season. On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Province of British Columbia launched the start of spring COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The spring COVID-19 booster vaccine continues to be free and is available to individuals six months and older.
The spring program is focused on providing vaccines to those most at risk of severe COVID-19 illness or complications and those who have not yet received an updated vaccine dose. Health officials recommend the following individuals consider receiving an additional dose of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine:
- adults 65 and older;
- Indigenous adults 55 and older;
- adult residents of long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities (including those awaiting placement); and
- individuals six months and older who have been diagnosed as clinically extremely vulnerable (a CEV 1 or CEV 2 condition).
While the spring COVID booster program is aimed at those who are most vulnerable, anyone who feels they would benefit from another dose of the XBB1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, can book an appointment by calling 1 833- 838-2323 or walk into a pharmacy where the vaccine is available. There is availability in every region. To learn more about how to get vaccinated this spring, click here.
If you are not registered on the government’s GetVaccinated system, register today.
Looking for the RSV vaccine?
Health Canada has approved an RSV vaccine for use in adults 60 years of age and older to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The RSV vaccine is not funded by the Province of British Columbia.
For individuals interested in the vaccine, it is available for purchase from select B.C. pharmacies. Please follow the link below.