Covid-19 Information for British Columbia
Make the most of your health and wellness.
Updates for British Columbia – Oct 10, 2023
The BC public flu and COVID-19 campaign is now underway as of October 10, 2023
Flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointment invitations started going out to priority groups on October 4, 2023 and will continue rolling out over the next couple of weeks. Watch your text/email/phone for your invitation to book an appointment.
For more information visit Respiratory illness - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
**Walk-in requests may be accommodated subject to availability **
Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine Formulations (based on availability)
Moderna Spikevax XBB.1.5
Pfizer Comirnaty XBB.1.5
*Discontinued* Bivalent BA4/BA5 formulations will not be available after October 2, 2023.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered at the same appointment for convenience pending vaccine supply and patient eligibility.
Canada’s National Advisory Committee for Immunization (NACI) Recommendation:
NACI strongly recommends a dose of XBB.1.5 formulation for those previously vaccinated against COVID-19. And it is especially important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease.
Adults 65 years of age or older
Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings
Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19
Individuals who are pregnant
Individuals in or from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities
Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
People who provide essential community services
To receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the pharmacy you must be:
A resident of BC with a valid BC Services Card.
12 years of age and older
Visitors to BC may also be eligible to receive a free Covid vaccine. Call 1-833-838-2323 for information and booking assistance.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered at the same appointment for convenience.
Appointments may be booked online through the Get Vaccinated Booking System Respiratory illness - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) or by calling 1-833-838-2323. 7 days per week. 7am-7pm except statutory holidays open 9am-5pm.
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Clinics in BC
Fast, Accessible & Private COVID-19 Testing
London Drugs now offers asymptomatic COVID-19 testing using either RT-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method or Rapid Antigen. The collection is done at our Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) approved consultation rooms in partnership with FastTest at select London Drugs store locations. This test is suitable for those that need it for work, school, or international travel. Please note that COVID-19 travel requirements vary by country and are constantly changing; some countries may require a blood test. You may find more information about travel requirements on the IATA website.
RT-PCR Testing is available for $150.00 + tax (if applicable), with guaranteed results by 4PM next day
Rapid Antigen Testing certified for travel, is available for $90 + tax (if applicable), with results as soon as 20 minutes or less
What is an Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Clinic?
Before London Drugs considered participation in this Asymptomatic testing program, we evaluated the safety of our staff first and foremost. The emphasis needs to be made that this is for Asymptomatic individuals only. Prior to any testing, individuals interested in Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing will be screened by the pharmacists to assess eligibility. Eligibility for the test hinges on the individual having no known symptoms AND no known exposure to COVID-19. It is important to note that anyone exhibiting any symptoms, or anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, will be immediately referred to their health care provider or told to call 8-1-1, and to self-isolate and not come to the pharmacy.
What to know before your Clinic visit
Testing appointments at other select London Drugs locations will be conducted in our approved private clinic rooms in the pharmacy.
The testing consists of a nasal swab performed by a trained pharmacist or clinic staff and evaluated by an accredited private lab. In the event of a positive result, Public Health will be notified by the accredited lab or clinic, who will then be in contact with you directly.