Home / Health / B.C. Sees Uptick in Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccinations Ahead of Illness Season
B.C. Sees Uptick in Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccinations Ahead of Illness Season
16 Nov
Summary
- B.C. vaccination campaign for fall illnesses underway, uptake higher than last year
- RSV vaccines available but generally not free, with some exceptions
- Experts aim for 75% of high-risk, 50% of general population vaccinated
As of mid-November 2025, British Columbia is several weeks into its vaccination campaign for the upcoming fall and winter illness season. Early data suggests a quicker uptake of flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year compared to 2024.
The B.C. Ministry of Health is offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to all residents aged 6 months and older. Additionally, RSV vaccines are available, though they are generally not covered by public health insurance, costing around $300 per dose. The exception is for eligible pregnant individuals, whose shots are covered by the First Nations Health Authority.
Experts like Dr. Brian Conway of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre say the goal is to vaccinate at least 75% of high-risk populations and 50% of the general public to significantly reduce the expected number of cases. This, he notes, is assuming the vaccines match the circulating strains.
The latest data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control shows COVID-19 activity as moderate, while influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) levels remain low compared to past seasons. However, the report also indicates that flu and RSV cases are beginning to increase as COVID-19 activity decreases.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, taking cues from Australia's recent severe flu season, which saw record-high case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths. Experts stress that while serious vaccine reactions are extremely rare, the risks of becoming seriously ill from respiratory diseases are much higher.
