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FAQ

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General immunization

What vaccines do adults need?
My child is afraid of needles. How can I make the immunization experience easier for my child?
Why aren't all vaccines free in BC?
Our family just moved to BC. We do not have my child’s BC Services Card (CareCard) or MSP coverage yet. Can my child still get vaccines for free?

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine

I am not a resident of BC. How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
I did not get an invitation to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, I deleted the invite, I need to reschedule an appointment, I did not receive a booking confirmation, or I need help booking an appointment. What should I do?
I recently had a COVID-19 infection. How long should I wait to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
When can I get my updated COVID-19 vaccine?
How do I get my COVID-19 immunization record?
How do I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

HPV vaccine

I am temporarily in another province. Can I get the HPV vaccine for free?
I got the HPV4 vaccine. Can I get the HPV9 vaccine? I hear it covers more strains.
Do I need cervical screening if I've been vaccinated for HPV?
Is the HPV vaccine free for males who have sex with males?
Who can get the HPV vaccine for free?
Should I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already sexually active?
Where can I get the HPV vaccine? I am not eligible for the free one.
Why are HPV vaccines given at such a young age?
Do HPV vaccines promote earlier sexual activity?
Are HPV vaccines safe?
Can the HPV vaccine can cause infertility?

Immunization records

How do I find my immunization records?
How can I get a copy of my child's immunization record?

Immunization schedules

How do I know what vaccines my child needs?
I didn't immunize my child but have changed my mind. Is it too late to catch up?
Why do children get vaccines starting at such a young age?
If my child missed getting a vaccine, do they need to start the series over again?
I can't remember if my child got a vaccine and have no record. Is it safe to repeat vaccines?

Other vaccines

Where can I get an RSV vaccine? Is the vaccine free?

Shingles vaccines

Where can I get the Shingles vaccine? How much does it cost?
I have had shingles disease. Do I still need to get the vaccine?
It's been more than six months since my first dose of Shingrix. Is it too late to get the second shot? Do I have to restart my vaccine series?
If I had the Zostavax II vaccine, do I need the Shingrix vaccine?

Tetanus vaccine

My child stepped on a nail. Do they need a tetanus vaccine?

Travel vaccines

Where can I get travel vaccines?
What vaccines do I need for travel outside of Canada?

Vaccine ingredients

Are the ingredients in vaccines safe?
Are human fetal cells used to make vaccines?
Where can I find a list of the ingredients in each vaccine?
Do vaccines contain mercury?
Do vaccines contain aluminum?

Vaccine safety

Do vaccines cause side effects?
I have a chronic disease. Is it safe for me to get vaccinated?
How long does it take for a vaccine to be tested and approved for use in Canada?
How do we know vaccines are safe?
Where can I find information on vaccine side effects?
Do vaccines cause chronic illness or other long-term health problems?
Can vaccines cause autism?
Can vaccines cause SIDS?
Do vaccines cause asthma and allergic diseases?
Do vaccines cause autoimmune diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Is it safe for my child to get more than one vaccine at the same time?
Can getting multiple vaccines at the same time overwhelm my baby's immune system?
Are combination vaccines safe?
My child accidentally got an extra dose of vaccine. Is this harmful?
Is it safe to repeat vaccines? I can’t find my immunization record.
Can a vaccine give me or my child the disease it’s supposed to prevent?

Where to get immunized

Where can I get my child immunized?
My child is homeschooled. Where can they get immunized?
My child is afraid of needles. Are there options for them to get immunized other than at school?
Where can adults get vaccines?
Do I need an appointment at a pharmacy to get immunized, or can I walk in?

Getting children and youth immunized (COVID-19)

Why should my child or youth get vaccinated against COVID-19? Doesn’t it usually cause mild illness in children and youth?
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for children and youth?

COVID-19 Vaccine safety

Can mRNA vaccines cause inflammation of the heart?
How do I report a COVID-19 vaccine adverse event?
How were COVID-19 vaccines developed and approved so quickly? How do we know they are safe?
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I use marijuana/cannabis?
Are there long-term side effects caused by mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccine ingredients

Where can I find a list of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in Canada?
Do COVID-19 vaccines contain fetal cells? Were abortions performed to make the vaccines?
Are there any animal products (including pork) in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?
Are there blood products in any of the COVID-19 vaccines?

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility, and menstruation (COVID-19)

Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility?
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant people, people who are planning a pregnancy, and people who are breastfeeding?
Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the menstrual cycle (period)?

Getting the influenza vaccine

I am not a resident of BC. How do I get an influenza (flu) vaccine?
I did not get an invitation to book an influenza (flu) vaccine appointment, I deleted the invite, I need to reschedule an appointment, I did not receive a booking confirmation, or I need help booking an appointment. What should I do?
Where can I get an influenza vaccine?
Can I get the influenza vaccine and my updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Who should get the influenza vaccine?
When are influenza vaccines available in BC?
Is there a mobile clinic that can come to our work location to vaccinate our employees?
I just recovered from COVID-19. Should I wait to get my influenza (flu) vaccine?
I am already registered with the Get Vaccinated system for COVID-19 vaccines. Do I need to re-register to get an invite for the influenza (flu) vaccine?
Can I get the influenza vaccine the same day as a TB skin test?
Is the influenza vaccine free?
Can I get the influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Influenza vaccine & people 65+

What influenza vaccines are recommended for adults 65 years of age and older?
What is the impact of the additional B strain in FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT that is not included in FLUAD®, for adults 65 years of age and older?
What are the differences between FLUAD® and FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT influenza vaccines?
Is one of the enhanced vaccines (FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT and FLUAD®) recommended over the other for adults 65 years of age and older?
Who can receive the Fluzone® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT vaccine for free?
I'm not eligible for the free Fluzone high-dose influenza vaccine. Where can I purchase it?

Influenza vaccine & children

Will the nasal spray influenza (flu) vaccine be available for kids this year?
Where can I buy numbing cream for my child to help reduce pain with immunization?
Why do children under 9 receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses?

Influenza vaccine safety

Is it okay for household contacts of pregnant people to get the live-attenuated influenza (flu) vaccine (FluMist®)?
Are influenza (flu) vaccines safe for pregnant people?
What are the side effects of influenza vaccines?
Can influenza vaccines give me influenza?
Can I get an influenza vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?