Who should get a spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are free and available for everyone 6 months and older in B.C. The spring vaccines are the same vaccines that were available in fall 2023 and target the XBB.1.5 variant.

 

Getting a spring vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease, including: 

 

• People 65 years of age and older. 
• Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) age 55 years of age and older.
• Residents of long-term care and assisted living (including those waiting for placements). 
• People with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19. This includes people who are diagnosed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV 1 or CEV 2 conditions).

A spring vaccine is also recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine that protects against the XBB.1.5 variant. 

 

If a spring vaccine is recommended and you are registered with the provincial system, you will receive an invitation to book an appointment. 

 

Anyone else who feels they would benefit from a spring vaccine can contact the call centre to book a vaccine at 1-833-838-2323. You may also be able to walk into a pharmacy where the vaccine is available.

 

Get the spring 2024 vaccine before the end of June so you will be eligible to get another vaccine before the next respiratory season. It is often recommended that you wait 6 months between COVID-19 vaccine doses for best results. 

 

B.C.’s vaccination campaign is based on the latest recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).