Immunizations

Vaccines save lives and make it possible to live free of the illness and disability associated with many preventable diseases. 

Visit HealthLinkBC to find routine immunization schedules for all ages and to learn more about vaccines including immunization recommendations for travellers.

Health Gateway provides secure access to your B.C. health records (including immunizations).

Immunization

Immunization services for children and youth

Public health nurses provide immunizations according to the B.C. Immunization Schedule for children and youth (birth to 18 years). For school-aged children, see Immunizations for School Aged Children and Youth for more information. For an appointment, or to see if your child is up-to-date with their routine immunizations, contact your  local public health unit.

Some primary care providers, First Nations health services, and pharmacists offer immunizations, contact your care provider or pharmacist to ask about vaccine availability.

Immunization services for adults

Adults may get immunizations from their primary care provider, pharmacist, local travel clinic, and in some communities at their local public health unit. Call to ask about vaccine availability. If you need to be immunized for work, check with your employer to find out where you should receive immunizations. 

Some health units are unable to provide routine vaccines to healthy people aged 19 years and older because of limited capacity. Contact your primary care provider, pharmacist or local travel clinic to ask about vaccine availability.  

Immunization services for people at increased risk for vaccine preventable diseases

Some people are eligible for additional immunizations based on certain health conditions (such as chronic kidney or liver disease, immunocompromising conditions) or social determinants of health (such as homelessness). To discuss vaccine eligibility or to book an appointment, speak with your primary care provider or contact your local public health unit.

Immunization services for people living on-reserve

Individuals living on-reserve have the option of receiving immunizations through their local First Nations Health Authority clinic or local public health unit.

Immunization services in rural and remote areas

Public health nurses offers immunization clinics in some rural and remote communities. Contact your local public health unit for more information.

Outreach immunization services

Public health nurses provide outreach immunizations in some communities to individuals facing homelessness. If you have any questions or to arrange outreach services, contact your local public health unit.

Immunization services for non-publicly funded vaccines

Public health does not provide non-publicly funded vaccines. If you are looking for travel vaccines, visit HealthLinkBC for more information.

Additional Resources

flu bacteria
Avian influenza

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a virus that mainly affects birds but can also infect other animals and, rarely, people.

Immunization
Immunization information for healthcare professionals

The goal of immunization programs is to offer protection against vaccine-preventable diseases in order to decrease harm and transmission.

young boy getting immunized while sitting on his mum's lap
Immunizations for School Aged Children and Youth

Routine immunizations are offered for school-aged children to help protect them from serious illnesses and keep schools and families safe.

Mpox
Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.

COVID-19 & Influenza Vaccine Information for Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities
Respiratory Immunization Information for Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities

Information on this page is for all staff who work at long-term care or assisted living facilities located within Island Health, this includes facilities that are Island Health Owned & Operated, affiliates, and private facilities.