Influenza vaccine (flu vaccine) - Province of British Columbia

Flu vaccines are free for everyone 6 months and older. It's important to get your flu vaccine to protect yourself during the fall and winter.

Last updated: October 24, 2022

Protect yourself from respiratory illness every fall

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine

Everyone in B.C. 6 months and older can get a free flu vaccine. It comes as a shot in your arm or in a spray that you breathe in through your nose. It's especially important if you're:

Under 5 years or over 65 years
Pregnant
Living in long-term care or assisted living
Immunocompromised or have a chronic illness

Enhanced vaccines are available for seniors

To help create a stronger immune response, enhanced vaccines are available for people 65 years and older. 

Book your flu vaccine appointment

You can book your flu vaccine through the Get Vaccinated system, the same system you used to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointments. 

Wait for your notification

If you've received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C., you're already registered with the Get Vaccinated system. No action is required. We'll send you an email or SMS text when it's time to book your next appointment. 

We encourage most people to get a flu vaccine before the end of November.

You can get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time in pharmacies or health authority clinics.

This year, most people in B.C. are eligible for a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster at the same time. If you haven't received a notification, contact us. 

Appointment options

I want my COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same appointment

Use the booking link in your email or SMS text to book an appointment to get both vaccines at the same time.

If you can't find your booking link, you can get a new one.

Currently the Get Vaccinated system won't allow you to book two different vaccine appointments. You can only do one at a time.

If you prefer to get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine on different days, choose which vaccine you want to get first and book that one now.

At your appointment, you still have the option to ask your immunizer for the other vaccine (based on your eligibility and vaccine supply). 

When your first appointment is complete, the system will then allow you to book your next appointment. 

Use the booking link in your email or SMS text to book an appointment.

Some pharmacies and clinics can provide drop-in appointments for vaccines. Availability is not guaranteed.

Appointments for kids

To book your child's vaccination appointments, they also need to be registered with the Get Vaccinated system. You only need to register them once. 

You'll get a notification from the Get Vaccinated system when it's time to book your child's flu vaccine. 

It's safe for your child to get their flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
Kids 2 to 17 can get a nasal spray if they prefer

The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose. Children under 9 who have never had a flu vaccine need 2 doses. The second dose is important to raise their level of protection. Your child will receive a notification to get their second dose from the Get Vaccinated system.

I need help

If you don't have a PHN, you need to register by phone. A PHN will be created for you.

Call: 1-833-838-2323

If you still have questions about immunization in B.C, consult your doctor or health care provider. 

If you don't have a family doctor, call 811.

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