Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including influenza and the common cold.
Immunization is safest and most effective way to protect yourself against severe illness from COVID-19.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge for B.C. residents during the 2025-26 immunization program. These vaccines help protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
To get immunized against COVID-19 visit Government of British Columbia: COVID-19 immunizations.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine recommendations and managing common side effect, visit HealthLink BC File #124a - COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
B.C.’s COVID-19 spring program is expected to run from April 22 to July 31, 2026. The program provides vaccines to residents who are at highest risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19, based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
While one dose of the vaccine during viral respiratory illness season in the fall and winter offers strong protection for most people, an additional spring dose is strongly recommended for people who could get seriously sick, including:
The following people may also benefit from a spring COVID-19 booster:
If you are 65 years or older and registered in the Get Vaccinated system, you will receive a notification once they go out in late April.
If you have questions about your eligibility for a COVID-19 immunization, check with your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
To learn about COVID-19 symptoms, what to do if you are feeling ill, and who may be at higher risk for complications, visit:
A COVID-19 test is recommended when its result will help you and your health care provider make decisions about your treatment or care. For more information about who needs testing, visit:
Some symptoms could be signs of other conditions or medical issues and you may need to seek medical care, even if it's not related to COVID-19. If you feel unwell and are unsure about your symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
You can use a rapid antigen test at home to find out if you have COVID-19. The results will be ready in less than 20 minutes.
Test kits are available free of charge at some community pharmacies. Once the existing supply of free tests runs out, some pharmacies may offer them for you to purchase.
A positive rapid antigen test is acceptable for getting treatment, if you are eligible.
Learn more about how to use a Rapid Testing kit and what the test results mean:
There are some specific treatments available for COVID-19. For more information, visit BC Centre for Disease Control: Treatments.
To find out if treatment may be right for you, visit the Province of British Columbia: COVID-19 testing and treatments page.
If your infant is less than 3 months of age and has a fever or shows signs of illness, they should be seen by a health care provider. For more information, visit BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 illness in children.
For additional information on COVID-19 treatments, visit:
When seeing a health care provider, please tell them:
For a list of trusted sources that HealthLinkBC uses to provide British Columbians with health information and advice, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca.
For information and updates on COVID-19 in other languages, visit:
American Sign Language videos are also available.
If you have concerns or questions about your health, contact 8-1-1 at any time or speak with your health care provider.
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
