You don't need proof of vaccination to access businesses, events or services in B.C. You may need proof of vaccination for international travel. Learn more by visiting Government of BC: Proof of vaccination.

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

• COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines (HealthLinkBC file #124a)
• COVID-19 Viral Vector Vaccines (HealthLinkBC file #124b)
• COVID-19 Protein Subunit Vaccine (HealthLinkBC file #124c)

Getting a Vaccine

The Government of BC: COVID-19 Immunization Plan is designed to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19. The next phase of the plan is focused on sustained protection for everyone. For more information, including getting a first, second, or booster shots, see:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Getting a Vaccine
• Government of BC: COVID-19 vaccination, immunization and treatments
• Government of BC: How to get vaccinated for COVID-19

For up-to-date information, including information on whether an appointment is required or if walk-in or drop-in appointments are available, please visit Government of BC: How to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to find COVID-19 vaccination clinics in your health authority.

Booster Doses

Booster doses help lengthen your protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19.

For full protection, everyone 5 and older needs ongoing booster doses. Invitations are sent on a rolling basis, 6 months after your last dose. For most people, it's best to get a booster dose around periods of increased risk.

B.C. is offering a spring booster dose to people most at risk of severe illness, like seniors, elders, and those living in long-term care facilities.

For more information on getting boosters, including the fall booster, read:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Getting a Vaccine
• Government of BC: Get a COVID-19 booster

Children, Students and COVID-19 Vaccination

For information on COVID-19 vaccination for children and young people, see: BC Centre for Disease Control: Children and COVID-19 Vaccination and Government of BC: COVID-19 vaccines for children.

Under the Infants Act, children can give consent to receive health care, like getting a vaccine. 

For age specific recommendations read: ImmunizeBC: COVID-19 vaccines Children and Youth

Students Arriving in BC

For information see:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccinated outside of B.C. or Canada
• Government of BC: Proof of vaccination

After Vaccination

For more information on what to expect following vaccination and what to watch for, see BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccination Aftercare.

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, see BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Considerations.

Vaccine Safety

For more information on the vaccine approval process and safety please see:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Safety
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Approvals & Development

Vaccine Effectiveness

For more information on vaccine effectiveness, please see:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Measuring Vaccination Impact & Coverage

Vaccine Questions

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

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

Last updated: May 2023

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, Government of BC: Get a COVID-19 booster, BC Centre for Disease Control: Vaccine Considerations, and BC Centre for Disease Control: Getting a Vaccine webpages, accessed May 2023.