Starting Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, free additional COVID-19 vaccines will be available across British Columbia, with a focus on those at higher risk of severe illness.
The spring COVID-19 vaccine will be offered at around 400 pharmacies, regional health authority clinics, primary care offices, community health centres, long-term care homes, and First Nations communities. Public health units will also provide the vaccine to children under 12.
Based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, B.C. health officials advise the following groups to receive an additional dose this spring:
- Adults 65 years and older, especially those over 80.
- Indigenous adults aged 55 and older.
- Adult residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities, including those awaiting placement.
- Individuals six months and older diagnosed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV 1 or CEV 2).
Notifications to book appointments for priority populations will begin on April 8th. The spring vaccine program ends on June 30th, 2025. Anyone else who feels they would benefit from an additional dose can consult their health-care provider, call the vaccine call centre at 1-833-838-2323, or check with a pharmacy.
Meanwhile, with an increasing number of measles cases in B.C. and a resurgence worldwide, public health officials urge residents to confirm their measles immunization status through Health Gateway or their health-care provider. Free measles vaccines are available for those who need them.
Officials are also reminding travelers to monitor for symptoms, as five measles cases have been reported in B.C., all in the Lower Mainland and linked to travel to areas experiencing outbreaks.
