Respiratory immunization information for community vaccine providers

Information on this page is for Community Vaccine Providers (CVPs), excluding community pharmacists. Community pharmacists access information through the BC Pharmacy Association.

Information that is specific to Island Health Community Health Services immunizers should review the drop-down menu below to view their requirements.

• Immunization Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Immunization Courses for Health Professionals

Prepare for vaccine administration: order vaccine, ensure appropriate vaccine storage & transport equipment is available, and document in e-forms. 

Vaccine Eligibility

Vaccine	Product	Key Information	Eligibility
Influenza  (Inactivated)	FLUAD	Pre-filled syringe	All those 65 years of age and older.    If unavailable, FLUVIRAL or FLUZONE should be used. View eligibility.
	FLUZONE	Multi-dose vial or pre-filled syringe.	All individuals less than 65 years of age.  View eligibility
	FLUVIRAL	Multi-dose vial: Expires 28 days after first puncture.
Influenza  (Live Attenuated)	FLUMIST	Intranasal spray	Individuals 2-17 years of age (inclusive).  View eligibility
Covid-19	SPIKEVAX (Moderna)	Multi-dose vial: After first vial puncture, the vaccine must be used within 24 hrs if stored refrigerated (+2°C to +8°C) or 12 hours if stored at room temp (+8°C to +25°C).	All individuals 6 months and older. Strongly recommended for:  People 65 years of age and older  Indigenous peoples and individuals residing in Indigenous communities   Residents of long-term care (LTC) homes, assisted living facilities, or alternate level of care clients awaiting placement in LTC  Individuals with underlying medical conditions  Healthcare workers
	COMIRNATY (Pfizer)	Multi-dose vial: After first vial puncture, the vaccine must be used within 12 hours and can be stored between +2°C and +25°C.  Pre-Filled syringes: Syringes must be stored at +2°C to +8°C. After removing the tip cap and attaching an appropriate needle, the syringes should be used immediately, if not possible must be used within 4 hours.

• For vaccine not used within the timeframes indicated above, return vaccine to supplying health unit.
• For complete clinical guidance, refer to the BCCDC Immunization Manual Part 4: Biological Products

Ordering Vaccine

This vaccine ordering form is for community vaccine providers including medical offices and miscellaneous providers. 

Order Form	Begin Placing Orders:
Community Vaccine Provider COVID-19 & Influenza Order Form	September 25, 2026

Health Unit staff will contact you when your order is ready for pickup. Please allow a minimum of 5 business days between placing an order and the requested pickup date.

First Order

Request only the anticipated vaccine doses needed for the first two weeks. 

Subsequent Orders

Place additional orders as needed. Incomplete forms may delay processing. 

Influenza Vaccine Distribution

• Vaccine is distributed based on available supply and previous provider utilization/wastage.
• If planning a large influenza clinic, include the clinic date and expected doses on the order form. Avoid planning large clinics before mid-to-late October.
• If the requested product, or an appropriate substitute, is unavailable, the local Health Unit will contact you.

Vaccine Pick-up, Transport, & Storage

Picking Up Vaccine

CVPs are responsible for picking up vaccine on the date identified in the vaccine order approval email.

Ensure vaccine is maintained at cold chain temperatures (+2°C to +8°C) during transport. Bring an appropriately sized hard-sided cooler, a min/max thermometer, and insulating materials, including:

• gel packs preconditioned in a fridge at +2°C to +8°C
• bubble wrap or packing paper
• frozen ice packs

Use a temperature monitoring device during transport whenever possible. This must be used when vaccine will be stored in cooler for ≥ 4 hours.

Vaccine pickup may be declined if appropriate transport materials are not available.

Vaccine Storage & Cold Chain

All staff who monitor, handle or administer vaccine must be familiar with the cold chain process and BCCDC Vaccine Management resources.

Vaccine must always be stored between +2°C to +8°C in either: 

• a monitored fridge
  • record the minimum, maximum and current vaccine fridge temperatures at the start and end of each day using the BCCDC Fridge Temperature Form
• cooler packed according to page 6-8 of the BCCDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Guide
  • vaccine stored in a cooler for ≥4 hours must be monitored with a min/max thermometer

 

In the event the vaccine is exposed to temperatures outside of the +2.0°C to +8.0°C range, follow these steps:

1. Quarantine Vaccine: 
   • Immediately return vaccines to +2.0°C to +8.0°C temperature range. 
     • Continue to monitor and document temperatures. Fridge storage is preferred or appropriately packed cooler. 
       • Vaccine storage location should be clearly marked QUARANTINE (i.e., sign on fridge if all stock was impacted or written on the paper bag containing the vaccines).
2. Complete the Cold Chain Incident Form (excel document preferred). 
   • For detailed directions on completing the form review the BCCDC Instructions.
   • Submit the completed form and supporting documentation to Island Health’s Biological Product Consultants: publichealthvaccinemanagement@islandhealth.ca.
3. Maintain cold chain and continue to quarantine vaccine until recommendations are received with instructions on next steps.

Vaccine Administration

Before administering vaccine:

• Refer to the BCCDC Immunization Manual Part 4: Biological Products
  • confirm current eligibility
  • review immunization history
  • Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Screening Checklist to assess for contraindications, precautions, or special considerations
• confirm consent
• ensure appropriate documentation processes are in place

Documentation

COVID-19 and influenza doses must be documented in the provincial immunization registry using the Immunization eForm.

Before immunizing:

• The Immunization Program will review your vaccine order form and request a new or updated SDL if required.
• Ensure immunizers have access to the Immunization eForm and have completed the required education. 
  • Provincial Health Services Authority manages all onboarding, education, and data quality for eForms. 

eForm Enrollment

Community Vaccine Providers and Primary Care Providers

Note: Before enrolling, ensure you have access to the BC Services Card app on a mobile device. It can take 2 days to gain access.

Step 1: Complete Immunization Entry eForm Training

Immunization Entry eForm training is self-directed and available through an online video. Please review the training before requesting access to the Immunization Entry eForm.

Training Video: Expanded Immunization Entry eForm

---

Step 2: Complete OneHealthID Self-Enrollment

Follow the prompts within the app to create your OneHealthID and complete all required registration screens. 

OneHealthID Enrollment for Licensed Immunizers

1. Navigate to: https://healthprovideridentityportal.gov.bc.ca.
2. From the home page, select Give Access, click read more.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your Manager or Supervisor, email address, then submit the request.
4. Your Manager or Supervisor must endorse your request. Both parties will need to complete any follow-up steps provided by email.

Notes: Only licensed health care providers can endorse a working relationship with their work colleagues. Unlicensed staff (for example, Medical Office Assistants) must complete the same enrollment process. When prompted for college information, complete the section as instructed, even if you do not hold a professional college licence.

---

Step 3: Enroll in the Immunization Entry eForm

1. From the home page, select Get Access, click read more.
2. Select Immunization Entry eForm.
3. Follow the prompts to create your eForm account.
4. Once completed, you will have access to the Immunization Entry eForm login page.

---

Step 4: Access and Use the Immunization Entry eForm

After completing your enrollment:

1. Log in to eForms at: https://www.eforms.healthbc.org/login
2. Select Immunization Entry eForm.
3. Sign in using your BC Services Card.
4. Configure your Form Defaults.
5. Follow the instructions provided in the Expanded Immunization Entry eForm training video to complete documentation requirements.

 

Note: You will need to visit this link each time you want to submit an eForm. It may be helpful to bookmark this link for future use.

Reporting Adverse Events

Report adverse events following immunization to public health following the reporting adverse events workflow. 

• Reporting Adverse Events 

Resources and Information

COVID-19 & Influenza Activity

• Island Health:  Active Outbreak List
• BCCDC: Respiratory Virus Data 
• Government of Canada: FluWatch
• Government of Canada: National Surveillance for COVID-19
• WHO: Flu Surveillance 

Resources

• Influenza Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
• Summary of NACI statement of May 2026: Statement on seasonal influenza vaccines for 2026-2027
• COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for Health Professionals
• Immunization Communication Tool for COVID-19
• HealthLink BC: Influenza
• Island Health Influenza Prevention Policy

Contacts

• Public Health Units
• Medical Health Officers

Island Health Staff - Community Health Service Immunizers

For eligibility, vaccine pick-up, transport, & storage, vaccine administration, reporting adverse events, and other resources see the information in the above sections/

The information below is specific to Island Health Community Health Services immunizers. 

Education

• Immunizing with a physician’s order: 

  • No BCCDC course required; immunizers must be familiar with the product and the relevant BCCDC Immunization Manual Biological Product pages.

     

• Immunizing without a physician’s order (autonomous practice): 
  • BCCDC Immunization Courses are required. Immunizers must assess learning needs and complete initial and annual education updates.
    • Full Scope Immunization Courses: 

      • Immunization Competency Course 

         

    • Seasonal influenza and COVID-19 Immunization Courses: 
      • Influenza Immunization Competency Course: Foundations of Influenza Disease & Vaccines
      • Seasonal Influenza Update

      • COVID-19 Immunization Competency Course

         

    • Additional Recommended Courses:
    • Vaccine Storage and Handling Course
    • Anaphylaxis Initial Emergency Treatment by Nurses (Adult & Pediatric)

Consent

Legislative Requirements:

• Consent must follow the Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act. [RSBC 1996]. Chapter 181.

Consent for a series:

• COVID-19 vaccine consent may be considered valid for up to 12 months, as fall and spring boosters may be treated as part of a continuous series.

When to Defer Vaccination:

• Refer to BCCDC product pages for deferral and special consideration instructions.

Consent for Adults Unable to Provide Informed Consent:

Use the BCCDC form: Consent for Vaccine for Adults Assessed as Incapable of Giving Informed Consent (ensure staff follow the appropriate process for incapable adults).