B.C. rolling out fall vaccine program as flu cases circulating
British Columbia has launched its fall vaccination campaign, offering free shots for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease. Health officials are prioritizing high-risk groups, including seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions, as flu cases begin to circulate.
Why it matters
Public health initiatives are critical for managing seasonal viral transmission and reducing the burden on healthcare systems during peak illness months.
B.C. is rolling out its vaccine program for this fall.
In an update on Wednesday, B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said free vaccines will be available against influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.
Henry said they are already starting to see cases of influenza circulating in the province.
“Vaccines provide one of the best defences against respiratory illnesses, and they help keep you, your family and your community healthy and safe,” she added.
Some residents are at higher risk of serious illness from influenza or COVID-19 and Henry said those people should prioritize getting vaccinated.
Infants and children under five are at higher risk of serious illness from influenza, but for both COVID-19 and influenza, residents 65 years old and older, pregnant people, people living in long-term care, Indigenous people and those with chronic conditions are in the higher risk category.
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