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Immunize BC

Adults (18 years and older)

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Immunization for adults

Learn about why adults need vaccines and the vaccines recommended for adults.

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Vaccines adults need

 Learn what other vaccines you may need based on age, life events, job, and travel, health conditions, other factors, and extra protection.
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Immunization and pregnancy

Vaccines are an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Learn about the vaccines you need before, during, and after pregnancy. 

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Have a positive experience

Vaccines can cause some pain and anxiety for people of all ages. These tips can lead to a more positive immunization experience.

FAQ

Where can adults get vaccines?
Adults can get publicly-funded vaccines (vaccines that are paid for by the BC government) from their local health unit, community health centre, nursing station, pharmacy, and some doctors’ offices. Services vary throughout BC. For example, in some areas health units do not provide adult vaccinations. 
 
Non-publicly-funded vaccines can be purchased at most pharmacies and travel clinics. 
 
 
 
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Where can I get the Shingles vaccine? How much does it cost?
You can get the shingles vaccine, Shingrix®, at most pharmacies and travel clinics. It costs about $160/dose. 
 
Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine. Check with your provider. 
 
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What influenza vaccines are recommended for adults 65 years of age and older?
For the 2023-24 influenza season, there are two enhanced influenza vaccines that are recommended for adults 65 years of age and older: FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT vaccine and FLUAD® adjuvanted vaccine. 
 
  • The FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT vaccine is publicly funded (free) for adults 65 years of age and older who are residents of long-term care, assisted living or First Nations communities. This vaccine contains a higher dose of antigen to help create a stronger immune response.
  • The FLUAD® vaccine is publicly funded for all other adults 65 years of age and older. This vaccine is a trivalent influenza vaccine and contains an adjuvant that helps create a stronger immune response.
Adults 65 years and older are at increased risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and death from influenza compared with younger populations and studies suggest that, in this age group, these two enhanced vaccines are potentially more effective than the standard dose unadjuvanted influenza vaccines.  
 
Either of these enhanced influenza vaccines are recommended for this age group. There is not enough evidence to show that one of these vaccines is better than the other.
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Why aren't all vaccines free in BC?
 
In BC, the Ministry of Health makes decisions to fund vaccine programs based on recommendations from the Communicable Disease Policy Advisory Committee. This expert scientific committee looks at the following: 
 
  • Statements issued by Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
  • The published literature (studies about certain vaccines and diseases).
  • The product monograph (information about the vaccine from the manufacturer).
  • Provincial epidemiology (how often the disease occurs in different groups of people in the province).
  • Available health economic analyses (an analysis of the costs and benefits of the vaccine).
Recommendations for new vaccine programs are then prioritized with other public health initiatives. As a result, not all vaccines approved for use in Canada are funded by the provincial government. 
 
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