COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 is an infection of the airways and lungs caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, tiredness and loss of smell or taste. While some people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, others can require hospitalization and may die. Serious illness is more common in those who are older and those with certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease. For some people, symptoms of COVID-19 can last for weeks or longer. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on a person’s health are unknown.

Immunization is the best protection against COVID-19.

Continue to wash your hands frequently, stay home when you are sick and follow provincial prevention guidelines.

For information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit ImmunizeBC: COVID-19 Vaccine.

Community Vaccine Providers

Please visit Immunization Information for Healthcare Professionals for more information.

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine in your community

• Public Health and Community Pharmacy Clinics:

Starting in early April, invitations to book an appointment for COVID-19 vaccine will be sent through the Get Vaccinated system to eligible individuals. If you haven’t already, visit www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca to register. Once registered, you will receive a text, phone call or e-mail when it’s your turn to book an appointment. 

COVID-19 vaccine will be easily accessible this spring with appointment availability through community pharmacies. Public Health will be offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for individuals 6 months to 11 years of age at local public health units, community clinics in rural and remote communities, and may offer community clinics for those 12+ years of age depending on community pharmacy capacity.

This spring one additional dose of XBB.1.5 containing COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for the following populations:

• Individuals aged 65+ years living in community
•  Indigenous individuals aged 55+ years
• Residents of Long Term Care & Assisted Living Facilities or alternate level of care clients awaiting placement in Long Term Care
• Individuals 6 months of age and older identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable
• Anyone 6 months of age and older who has not received a dose of the COVID-19 XBB.1.5 formulation
• Those who do not fit into the above categories and have had a previous XBB.1.5 vaccine can call the Provincial Call Center to request an appointment: 1-833-838-2323

Other Community Vaccine Providers

Some primary care providers and other community vaccine providers will offer COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider for more information.

Homebound Clients

Island Health residents who are homebound may be able to receive their immunization at home by Community Health Services nurses. If you are already receiving services from Community Health Services (Home Support, Home Care Nursing, etc.) contact your office to discuss if a homebound immunization is appropriate. If you are not receiving services, contact the Community Access Centre at 1-888-533-2273 for an assessment.