As respiratory illness season approaches, B.C. will begin rolling out its annual vaccination campaign for COVID-19 and influenza.
British Columbians began receiving notifications with a link to book vaccine appointments on Oct. 7 and they will continue to be sent out into November.
Appointments for both influenza and COVID-19 shots will begin on Oct. 14, starting with those at highest risk of severe illness.
Both vaccines are available for free for anyone older than six months.
The province is offering the updated LP.8.1 Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccines for COVID-19 this fall. People can receive flu and COVID-19 shots separately, or at the same time.
Officials reminded residents that vaccination is the best protection against illnesses like influenza and COVID-19, and staying up to date both helps protect against new variants and extends immunity.
Individuals who are most at risk of severe illness and complications are especially encouraged to get vaccinated. That includes seniors, people who are immunocompromised, anyone living in a long-term care home, pregnant people, Indigenous people, and those with a chronic illness or underlying condition. For influenza specifically, children under five years old are considered at high risk.
“Vaccination not only helps protects individuals, but also their families, neighbours and co-workers,” the health ministry wrote in a statement to CTV News Friday. “As we enter another respiratory illness season, getting immunized against influenza and COVID-19 reduces the risk of severe illness and helps keep our communities strong.”
To book an appointment, British Columbians can use the emailed booking link if they are registered in the Get Vaccinated system, call the Get Vaccinated phone line at 1-833-838-2323, or check with a local pharmacy.