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FAQ

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General immunization

What vaccines do adults need?
Where can I buy numbing cream for my child to help reduce pain with immunization?
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?

Immunization records

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

Where to get immunized

Where can I get my child immunized?
Where can adults get vaccines?
Do I need an appointment at a pharmacy to get immunized, or can I walk in?

Immunization schedules

I didn't immunize my child but have changed my mind. Is it too late to catch up?
If my child missed getting a vaccine, do they need to start the series over again?

Vaccine safety

Do vaccines cause side effects?
How do we know vaccines are safe?
Do vaccines cause chronic illness or other long-term health problems?
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?

Vaccine ingredients

Are the ingredients in vaccines safe?
Where can I find a list of the ingredients in each vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccine

Who should get a spring 2024 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?
Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility?
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
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?
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?

Influenza vaccine

I am not a resident of BC. How do I get an influenza (flu) vaccine?
Is it okay for household contacts of pregnant people to get the live-attenuated influenza (flu) vaccine (FluMist®)?
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?
Will the nasal spray influenza (flu) vaccine be available for kids this year?
Where can I get an influenza vaccine?
When are influenza vaccines available in BC?
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?
I just recovered from COVID-19. Should I wait to get my influenza (flu) vaccine?
Can I get the influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Can I get the influenza vaccine the same day as a TB skin test?
Can I get an influenza vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?

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?
Should I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already sexually active?
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?
Where can I get the HPV vaccine? I am not eligible for the free one.

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?

Travel vaccines

Where can I get travel vaccines?