Respiratory illness season is fast approaching, and with influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines now available to people throughout BC, it is a great time to prepare for the season ahead.
Every fall and winter, viral and bacterial respiratory infections spread, which can cause symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose and more. When these illnesses strike, we often feel rotten and are forced to miss out on activities, get togethers with friends and family, holiday celebrations, school and work.
Most people can recover at home by resting, drinking lots of fluids, and taking non-prescription medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to manage symptoms. For others, infections can be very serious, and some people will need care in hospital.
“COVID-19 and influenza vaccines have been updated for this respiratory season to offer the best possible protection,” said Dr. Jia Hu, interim medical director of Immunization Programs and Vaccine Preventable Diseases at the BCCDC. “Getting immunized is one of the best ways you can protect yourself, prevent infection, and avoid severe illness.”
Here are some key things you should know as the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season begins.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available throughout the province and notifications to book immunization appointments started going out in early October. People registered with Get Vaccinated automatically receive a text message or email notification to book appointments online. You can also reach the call centre at 1-833- 838-2323.
“Influenza and COVID 19 vaccines are available throughout BC in pharmacies, health units and in some primary care offices,” said Christine Mackie, executive director of operations for the Immunization Programs and Vaccine Preventable Diseases program. “Protect yourself and your loved ones from illness by booking an appointment through the booking link you may have received or by calling the Get Vaccinated call centre. If an appointment is not available at the time, please check back frequently as appointments are added as vaccines arrive.”
Many pharmacies are also offering walk-in appointments. To make things easier, you can get an influenza shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
While COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available for free to anyone six months and older who is eligible, immunizations are strongly recommended for certain groups. For both COVID-19 and influenza, this includes people at higher risk of getting seriously ill or spreading illness to others:
- Individuals 6 months and older who have underlying health conditions and are considered clinically extremely vulnerable
- Adults 65 years and older
- Indigenous peoples six months and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities
- People who are pregnant
- People who provide essential community services like health care workers and first responders.
Additionally, it is strongly recommended for children under 5 years of age to receive the influenza vaccine, as they are at higher risk from severe infection.
This season’s influenza vaccine protects against three strains: two types of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), and one type of Influenza B. There is an enhanced vaccine for older adults, which offers stronger protection against influenza compared to standard vaccines. Children may also be able to get their influenza vaccine as a nasal spray.
COVID-19 vaccines are updated every season to reflect common circulating variants, and this year have been updated to include the LP.8.1. variant. The best available evidence suggests this vaccine should offer good protection against severe disease caused by the COVID-19 virus.
Additional vaccines and products may also be available to help reduce the risk of other illnesses:
- RSV vaccines are recommended for older adults and are available for a fee at most pharmacies. Medications or vaccines are also available to prevent RSV infection for some infants and young children who are at higher risk of serious illness. Learn about RSV protection
- A new pneumococcal vaccine that provides broader and more effective protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacteria that can cause severe pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. It is part of routine immunizations for babies and recommended for adults at higher risk of disease, including those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes or heart or lung disease and all adults 65 and older. Learn about the pneumococcal vaccine
- Human avian influenza (H5N1) vaccines are being offered for the first time in BC this year, for people who are at risk of repeated and prolonged exposure to avian influenza. Learn about H5N1 vaccination
Throughout respiratory season, epidemiologists, data analysts, scientists and public health experts at BCCDC track information about which viruses are circulating, where they’re being detected, and the impact they’re having on the health of people living in BC.
“BCCDC monitors respiratory viral activity in communities by keeping a close eye on the use of health services, what is in the wastewater, and what shows up in laboratory tests,” said Dr. Kate Smolina, scientific director of public health intelligence. “Putting this information together helps public health officials prepare for and respond to potential threats to population health.”
As of last week, health care visits for respiratory illness are slowly increasing, in line with what is expected for this time of year based on historical trends. This means BC can expect to see more respiratory illness activity in the coming weeks and months.
Respiratory season just ended in parts of the southern hemisphere, and some countries like Australia reported a particularly severe influenza season. Members of the public and health professionals are asking whether BC and Canada may experience something similar.
“The severity of respiratory season depends on several dynamic factors, for example, how well-matched vaccines are to the circulating strains, how many people get the recommended vaccines, and the level of existing immunity in the population,” said Dr. Jennifer Vines, medical director of Public Health Response at the BCCDC. “That said, being vaccinated before the season starts is best.”
