Health officials are urging northerners to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness by staying up to date on their influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Northern Health says getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from hospitalization or serious illness.

“We encourage everyone to get their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this fall, especially people at higher risk of harm from influenza and harm from COVID-19,” says Dr. Jong Kim, Chief Medical Health Officer at Northern Health. “This year's influenza season is expected to be more severe due to less exposure in the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why it's especially important to get vaccinated.”

The influenza vaccine is free and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

You can book an immunization appointment through the provincial Get Vaccinated system at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-833-838-2323. It may be possible to get both an influenza and COVID-19 vaccine during the same appointment.