Last updated: October 2023

Getting immunized is the most effective way to stay safe this respiratory illness season. Everyone 6 months and older can get an updated influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For information on registering to get a vaccine, please visit:

• Government of British Columbia: COVID-19 immunization
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Getting a Vaccine

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please read the following pages:

• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (HealthLinkBC File #124a)
• COVID-19 protein subunit vaccine (HealthLinkBC File #124c)

If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, please read:

• ImmunizeBC: COVID-19 FAQ
• BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 Vaccine

For information on vaccines for influenza, visit Government of British Columbia: Healthy habits for respiratory illness season.

After vaccination

For more information on what to expect following vaccination and what to watch for, visit ImmunizeBC: Immunization aftercare.

Children, students and COVID-19 vaccination

Your child can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines, including the influenza (flu) vaccine. Staying up to date on your child’s immunizations helps protect them from severe illness. For information on COVID-19 vaccination for children and young people, visit:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Children and COVID-19 Vaccination
• ImmunizeBC: COVID-19 vaccines

Students arriving in B.C.

If you received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine in another province or country, visit the below resources for additional information on submitting vaccination records or on registering for additional doses in B.C.: BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccinated outside of B.C. or Canada.

Vaccine considerations

There are very few reasons someone should not get the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with specific health concerns, including allergies, pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Considerations.

Vaccine effectiveness

For more information on vaccine effectiveness, please visit BC Centre for Disease Control: Measuring Vaccination Impact & Coverage.

Vaccine safety

For more information on the vaccine approval process and safety, please visit BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Safety.

The information provided in the COVID-19 Immunization Health Feature has been adapted from the BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 Vaccine, ImmunizeBC: COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions, Government of BC: How to get vaccinated for COVID-19, BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Considerations, and BC Centre for Disease Control: Getting a Vaccine webpages, accessed October 2023.