Flu shots for seniors in BC are free, COVID-19 vaccines are coming this fall, and there is something new for older adults: a free RSV vaccine. Here is what is available, who qualifies and how to get booked.
Fall 2026 vaccines for BC seniors at a glance
Three vaccines matter most for older adults this respiratory season. The bars below show which ages are covered for free. The table underneath gives the same information in words.
| Vaccine | Free for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flu (influenza) | All BC residents 6 months and older | Strongly recommended for adults 65+ and people in long-term care or assisted living. Enhanced vaccines available for 65+. |
| COVID-19 | Free in BC this fall | You are notified through Get Vaccinated when it is time to book. Eligibility details are still being confirmed. |
| RSV | Adults 75+, long-term care and assisted living residents 75+, First Nations, Inuit and Métis people 60+ | One-time vaccine. Program started September 29, 2026. |
Flu shots for seniors in BC Free
Influenza can lead to serious complications for older adults, which is why the province strongly recommends the flu vaccine for adults 65 and older, people living in long-term care or assisted living, and people with chronic illness. The vaccine is free for all BC residents 6 months and older.
Seniors 65 and over can also get an enhanced flu vaccine, designed to create a stronger immune response in older adults. Ask your pharmacist or clinic which one they are offering.
When can you book? BC is staggering invitations through the Get Vaccinated system. Fraser Health has advised providers that the provincial flu and COVID-19 campaign starts in mid-October, with appointments bookable from October 13, 2026. If a flu vaccine is recommended for you, you will be notified when it is your turn.
COVID-19 vaccine in BC this fall Free
COVID-19 vaccines will be free in BC during fall 2026. If a vaccine is recommended for you, you will be notified through the Get Vaccinated system. The province has said that more details, including eligibility and locations, are coming later this fall.
What this means for you: adults 65 and older have been in the recommended group in past seasons, so register with Get Vaccinated now and check HealthLink BC for the final 2026 details.
New this year: free RSV vaccine for BC seniors New
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is common, and it can cause serious illness in older adults. Starting September 29, 2026, BC began a time-limited program offering the RSV vaccine at no cost to eligible older adults. The publicly funded vaccine is mRESVIA.
Who qualifies for the free RSV vaccine
- Adults 75 and older
- Long-term care and seniors’ assisted living residents 75 and older
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals 60 and older
What to know before you go
- One dose only. People who have already had an RSV vaccine are not eligible for a publicly funded dose.
- Where to get it. Through participating immunization providers, including select community pharmacies. Long-term care and assisted living residents can get it through their facility.
- Year-round access. It is a multi-year program, not only a fall campaign.
Aged 65 to 74? An RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 65 to 74 with certain chronic health conditions, but it is not provided free. It may be available to purchase at select pharmacies and travel clinics. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it makes sense for you.
Can seniors get the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same time?
According to the province, the RSV vaccine can be given at the same time as your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. One visit can be easier for seniors who find appointments tiring or hard to reach. Confirm with your pharmacist or clinic when you book, and mention any allergies or past reactions.
How to book flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines in BC
- Register with Get Vaccinated. You can register yourself or a family member, such as a parent, using their Personal Health Number at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
- Watch for your invitation. Eligible people are notified by text or email when it is time to book. Update contact details so the message reaches the right person.
- Choose where to go. Pharmacies and health authority clinics offer vaccines. For the free RSV vaccine, check that the pharmacy is a participating provider.
- Prepare for the visit. Bring your BC Services Card or other government ID, wear a short-sleeved shirt, and bring a list of medications.
- Plan the trip home. Arrange a ride, and check in later in the day. Mild soreness or tiredness can be normal. Call a doctor or HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 if you are worried.
Where to get vaccinated in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver
In Metro Vancouver, your health authority is usually Vancouver Coastal Health (Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore) or Fraser Health (Burnaby, Surrey, the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities). Both list vaccine information and participating pharmacies for the RSV program. Many community pharmacies also give flu and COVID-19 vaccines, so call ahead to confirm availability and whether you need an appointment.
How family caregivers can help a parent get vaccinated
For many seniors the vaccine is not the hard part. Registering online, getting to the pharmacy and getting home safely is. You can help by registering your parent on Get Vaccinated, booking a time of day when they feel their best, and arranging an escort. If you live far away or cannot take time off, LivePeace can help with the practical side:
- Errand & escort servicesA caregiver goes with your parent to the pharmacy or clinic and sees them home.
- Companion careRegular visits, company and support through the fall and winter months.
- In-home chronic illness careDaily support for seniors managing heart, lung or other long-term conditions.
- 24/7 personal careHelp with bathing, dressing, mobility and recovery if your parent feels unwell.
Tip: book the vaccine appointment and the escort together, and put both in a shared family calendar so nobody has to remember on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flu shot free for seniors in BC?
Yes. Influenza vaccine is free for all BC residents 6 months and older. Adults 65 and older are among the groups strongly recommended to get it, and enhanced vaccines are available for people 65 and over.
When can seniors book flu and COVID-19 shots in BC this fall?
The provincial flu and COVID-19 campaign starts in mid-October. Fraser Health has advised providers that appointments can be booked from October 13, 2026, and people are notified through the Get Vaccinated system when it is their turn to book. Check the provincial and health authority pages for the date that applies to you.
Who qualifies for the free RSV vaccine in BC?
Adults 75 and older, long-term care and assisted living residents 75 and older, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people 60 and older.
Do seniors need an RSV vaccine every year?
No. The publicly funded RSV vaccine is a one-time dose. People who have already had an RSV vaccine are not eligible for another publicly funded dose.
I'm 65 to 74. Can I get an RSV vaccine?
An RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 65 to 74 with certain chronic health conditions, but it is not provided free. It may be available to purchase at select pharmacies and travel clinics. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it makes sense for you.
Can I get the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same visit?
The province says the RSV vaccine can be given at the same time as flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Confirm with your pharmacist or clinic when you book.
Can I register my parent for Get Vaccinated?
Yes. You can register yourself or a family member, such as a parent, using their Personal Health Number.
Can a caregiver take my parent to a vaccine appointment?
Yes. LivePeace offers escort and errand support, so a caregiver can accompany your parent to the pharmacy or clinic and see them home safely. Call 604-442-1746 to arrange it.
Need help getting your parent to their appointment?
LivePeace provides escort, companion and personal care for seniors across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Tell us what your parent needs and we will help you plan it.
Sources
- Province of BC: RSV immunization program
- BC Government news release: RSV vaccines available to seniors in B.C. (September 22, 2026)
- Province of BC: Influenza (flu) vaccine
- HealthLink BC: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- HealthLink BC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
- HealthLink BC: Influenza (flu) season
- Fraser Health: 2026-2027 seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccine program update for providers
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Vaccine programs, eligibility and booking dates can change, so confirm current details with the Province of BC, HealthLink BC (call 8-1-1), your health authority, your doctor or your pharmacist.