Covid-19 Information for British Columbia

Updates for British Columbia – April 20, 2026

BC Public Spring COVID-19 Vaccinations will begin on Monday, April 27, 2026.

An additional provincially funded (free) COVID-19 vaccine dose is available for the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection.

*Recommended at least 3 months from a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose

• All adults 80 years of age and older.

• Indigenous peoples 70 years of age and older.

• Residents of long-term care (LTC), assisted living facilities, or alternate level of care clients awaiting placement in LTC.

• Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Children under 12 years must make an appointment at Public Health by calling 1-833-838-2323. For a list of eligible conditions refer to

  COVID-19-vaccine-eligibility.pdf

  .

*For others who are not at increased risk of severe disease, an additional dose in Spring 2026 is not recommended, however those who wish to receive an additional dose may receive one.

If you have NOT received a COVID-19 vaccine this season (Oct 2025 to present), you may be eligible for a provincially funded vaccine. To receive a public (free) COVID-19 vaccine at the pharmacy individuals must be:

• A resident of BC with a valid

  BC Services Card

• Registered with the

  • Registration can be completed before or during your pharmacy appointment

  BC Get Vaccinated System

• 12 years of age or older

  • Children 6 months to 11 years old can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at public health clinics

Options to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment:

• Invitation links to book a Spring COVID-19 vaccine dose will be sent by email or text to eligible individuals starting in late April.

• If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet this season (Oct 2025 to present), drop-in appointments may be available. Contact the pharmacy to enquire.

• Call BC Get Vaccinated 1-833-838-2323

Visitors to BC

For individuals without a valid BC Services card, public (free) COVID-19 vaccines may be available at public health, not at the pharmacy. Call BC Get Vaccinated at 1-833-838-2323 for eligibility and appointment information.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine options (subject to availability)

• Moderna Spikevax LP.8.1

• Pfizer Comirnaty LP.8.1 (very limited availability)

National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendation:

Beginning in the fall of 2025, previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease should be vaccinated with a dose of LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccine as follows:

• All adults 65 years of age and older

• Those 6 months of age and older who are:

  • 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, including children with complex health needs

  • Individuals who are pregnant

  • Individuals in or from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities

  • Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities

  • People who provide essential community services

All individuals 6 months of age and over not listed above may also choose to receive a dose of the LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information visit: COVID-19 vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide - Canada.ca