B.C. makes flu shots free for everyone over six months

B.C. is trying to make it as easy as possible to get your flu shot amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, everyone older than six months can get immunized for free.

In previous years, the vaccine was only free for people who are considered at high risk of serious illness from influenza, including young children, pregnant people, seniors, Indigenous people, and those living in group facilities; people who come into close contact with people who are at high risk; and essential workers or people who work with live poultry.

“The unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strain it has put on the health-care system continue to make influenza immunization a priority,” reads a statement from the province.

“All British Columbians should get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness, to reduce the strain on our hard-working health workers and to do our part to make sure the health system continues to be there for people who need it, where they need it and when they need it,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix.

You won't have to pay out of pocket to get a flu shot in B.C. this year.
The province is offering the flu shot free of charge to everyone older than six months
Previously, it was only free to those deemed 'high risk' of severe reaction and/or spreading it to vulnerable ppl

— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) October 19, 2021

Last week, Dr. Michael Curry, clinical associate professor with UBC’s faculty of medicine, said it is likely we will see the re-emergence of severe influenza strains.

“In the last six months at work, I’ve been seeing a lot more of the regular infections that seem to have disappeared during the first bit of the COVID pandemic. They’ve come back  — and when other infections are coming back, I’m suspicious that the flu might very well make a resurgence this year,” he said.

Flu shots are available at pharmacies, from a flu clinic, or through your family doctor.

Related articles:

• Canada heading for flu season in the middle of fourth wave of COVID-19

• ‘Resilient’ flu infection could spread across B.C. this season: expert

“This year, it’s especially important for people to get vaccinated against influenza. Last year’s low influenza rates means our immunity against influenza is lower than usual,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, adding getting vaccinated this year can help protect everyone and “our overstretched health-care system.”

On Monday, the province said there were 360 British Columbians hospitalized with COVID-19, including 151 in intensive care.

The Fraser Health region recorded the most new cases over the weekend, with 737 of the 1,846 new infections province-wide. It saw 10 of the 26 deaths related to the novel coronavirus.