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Quick reference table: Vaccines recommended for adults in BC

Date last reviewed: 
Monday, Sep 18, 2023

This quick reference table lists the vaccines recommended for adults in BC. It also lists vaccines adults can buy for extra protection.

Check with your health care provider to ensure you have received all the recommended vaccines.

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Fact

COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Vaccine
(Click on the vaccine name
to view the vaccine HealthLinkBC file)

 Recommended and available for free: Recommended and available at cost: Available at cost:
Chickenpox
(Varicella)
  • Susceptible people.
    
Hepatitis A
  • Adults with medical or lifestyle risks.
  • Travelers to destinations where the risk of hepatitis A is high (consult with a travel clinic).
  • Adults with occupational risks and food handlers (the cost of the vaccine may be covered by your employer).
  • Adults with lifestyle or other risks.
  • Adults who want protection.
Hepatitis B
  • Adults born in 1980 or later.
  • Adults with medical, occupational, lifestyle or other risks.
  • Adults living in communities or traveling to destinations where the risk of hepatitis B is high (travelers should consult a travel clinic).
  • Adults who want protection.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)*
(HPV9, Gardasil®9)
  • Women who have started the vaccine series younger than 19 years of age and complete it prior to their 26th birthday.
  • Cisgender males 26 years of age and younger with lifestyle or other risks.
  • HIV-positive people 26 years of age and younger.
  • Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary individuals 9-26 years of age.
  • Women 45 years of age and younger.
  • Men 26 years of age and younger.
  • Men 27 years of age and older who have sex with men.
  • Women 46 years of age and older.
  • Men 27 years of age and older.
Influenza
  • Adults, every year.
    
Measles/Mumps/Rubella
  • Adults born in 1970 or later who have not had the diseases.
    
Meningococcal B  
  • Adults who are medically high-risk.
  • Adults with occupational risks (the cost of the vaccine may be covered by your employer).
  • Travelers to destinations where the risk of meningococcal B disease is high (consult a travel clinic).
  • Adults who want protection.
Meningococcal C Conjugate
  • Adults 24 years of age and younger and born before 2002 who didn't get a dose of the vaccine on or after their 10th birthday.
  • Adults with occupational risks (the cost of the vaccine may be covered by your employer).
  • Adults who want protection.
Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate
  • Adults who are medically high risk.
  • Adults 24 years of age and younger and born in 2002 or later who have not received the vaccine.
  • Adults with occupational risks (the cost of the vaccine may be covered by your employer).
  • Travelers to destinations where the risk of meningococcal disease is high (consult a travel clinic).
  • Adults who want protection.
Pertussis
(Whooping cough)
  • Adults who have never been immunized against pertussis or whose immunization history is unknown.
  • Pregnant people in every pregnancy.
  • For those who have not received the vaccine as adults.
  • Adults who want protection.
Pneumococcal Conjugate
  • Some adults who are medically high risk.
  • Adults who are medically high risk.
  • Adults who want protection.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide
  • Adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Adults with medical or lifestyle risks.
  • Adults living in residential care or assisted living facilities.
  • Adults who are smokers.
  • Adults who want protection.
Polio
  • Adults with occupational, travel, or other risks.
    
Shingles  
  • Adults 50 years of age and older.
  
Tetanus, Diphtheria
  • Adults, every 10 years.
    
Travel vaccines  
  • Varies by destination, consult with a travel health clinic.
  

Whether or not you are eligible for a publicly-funded (free) vaccine depends on many factors, including age, gender, health, occupation, and medical or lifestyle risks. Publicly funded vaccines are available through health units, some doctors’ offices, and most pharmacies. Some vaccines may be provided free in response to disease outbreaks. Vaccines for purchase are available through travel clinics and most pharmacies. Services vary across BC.
*The Cervarix (HPV2) vaccine is approved for use in females. A small amount of this vaccine is available in BC for purchase. Learn more about the HPV vaccines in the HealthLinkBC File: HPV vaccines.