BC government urges residents to get immunized against influenza and COVID-19 this fall

As flu season begins to rear its head again in Greater Victoria and throughout BC, the Province is urging residents to get immunized against respiratory illness this fall. 

BC residents are able to receive free, safe vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other viral illnesses. 

Residents can also get immunized against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.

“We’re starting to see influenza circulating in the province, and with the respiratory illness season officially starting, it’s an important time for people to book their appointment to get immunized,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer. 

“Vaccines provide one of the best [defenses] against respiratory illnesses, and they help keep you, your family and your community healthy and safe.”

According to Dr. Henry, anyone can get sick from influenza or COVID-19, but some groups are at higher risk of serious illness and complications. 

For influenza, infants and children under five years old are especially at risk.  

Other at-risk groups for influenza and COVID-19 include adults aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, people living in long-term care, Indigenous people and those with chronic conditions.

“In addition to getting immunized, cleaning your hands regularly, covering sneezes and coughs, and staying home when you’re sick are tried and true ways to move safely through this season when we’re seeing more viral transmission,” added Dr. Henry.

The Province noted that while it’s not a requirement for those working in a healthcare environment to be vaccinated, it is strongly recommended. 

Immunizations are updated to protect recipients against the latest strains of the viral illnesses and receiving annual vaccines remains the best form of protection for healthcare workers and their patients. 

BC’s viral respiratory illness immunization campaign is concurrent with recommendations from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization, aiming to ensure priority for those most vulnerable. 

The Province noted that vaccines are free, safe, easy to access and available to everyone aged six months old and up.

BC residents seeking a vaccine can get one at local health authority clinics, more than 1,400 participating pharmacies and some primary-care providers’ offices.

The Province added that children aged two years and older can get the influenza vaccine as a nasal spray.

Those in priority populations may have received notifications for an appointment beginning on Monday, October 5th, and appointments will start as early as Tuesday, October. 13th. 

The general population will begin to receive notifications in early November.

Notifications will be sent through the Get Vaccinated registration system. Anyone not registered can do so online or by calling 1-833-838-2323.