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COVID-19

Related topics: Conditions and diseases

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found mostly in animals. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). The illness caused by the 2019 coronavirus has been named COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19, including information on testing and prevention.

Influenza and COVID-19 immunization

You will be notified through the Get Vaccinated system when you are eligible to book your next appointment. Notifications with a booking link for influenza and COVID-19 started going out on Oct. 7, 2025, and into November to everyone six months an older who is registered in the Get Vaccinated system. 

To register for the Get Vaccinated system, for more information or for help, visit Immunizations on Healthlink BC.

On July 26, 2024, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related orders.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It is spread mostly from person to person.

Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate illness and will not require hospital care. Some people are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and require medical attention. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious outcomes. Learn more about COVID-19 on the BCCDC website.

You can talk to your health-care provider or call 8-1-1 if you have questions about COVID-19 testing or treatment. For more information, please visit the  COVID-19 testing and treatment page 

Prevention and risks

We have many tools, such as vaccines, treatments and our own actions that can protect us from the impacts of COVID-19.

You can determine how and when to use these tools while supporting your family’s overall physical and mental health. These tools will help everyone be safer from COVID-19 and other illnesses, and they are even more important if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Learn more about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your community.

Immunization

Each year in the fall, everyone six months and older can get updated influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccine. 

Invitations will be sent by email or text message to everyone who has received a COVID-19 immunization in B.C. The invite will have a direct link to book your COVID-19 and flu appointments online.

The best way to book is to wait for your invitation. If you previously received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C., you’re already registered in the Get Vaccinated system, no action is required. If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C., register in the Get Vaccinated system.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, such as vaccine safety and considerations and vaccines and children, on the BCCDC website.

Eligibility

At least one COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for those six months of age and older at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease, including: 

  • • People 65 years of age and older
  • • Indigenous peoples and individuals residing in Indigenous communities
  • • Residents of long-term care (LTC) homes, assisted living facilities, or alternate level of care clients awaiting placement in LTC
  • • Individuals with underlying medical conditions (See Appendices)
  • • Individuals who are pregnant
  • • People who provide essential community services i.e., healthcare workers and first responders 

All other previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals six months of age and older who wish to receive a COVID-19 LP.8.1 vaccine are also eligible. Learn more from BCCDC