Flu, COVID immunization campaign kicks off in B.C. as vaccines arrive at pharmacies

British Columbia has launched its immunization campaign for this year's respiratory illness season, with influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations now available in pharmacies across the province.

The immunization plan was announced late last month as Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry reintroduced mask mandates in the province's health-care settings with respiratory illnesses trending upward.

Dr. Monika Naus, medical director of immunization programs and vaccine preventable diseases service at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said people who very recently had a confirmed COVID-19 infection can forgo the fall COVID booster, but should still get the flu shot.

"COVID infection won't buy any protection against influenza. These vaccines are very specific," said Naus. 

"In general, if you've had COVID ... the natural infection will boost your immunity. ... There shouldn't be any need to get a dose of the COVID vaccine this fall if you've just had an infection."

In a written statement, drugstore chain Pharmasave says it is anticipating an increase in demand for vaccines administered by pharmacies this year, as patients have increasingly turned to pharmacists for treating common ailments since the province authorized it in June.

The BCCDC said COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen by 58 per cent for the two weeks starting Sept. 21, with 24 deaths in the last week of September alone.

In the second week of August, B.C. reported nine COVID-19 deaths.

The BCCDC says new infections are also on the rise, from 133 cases during the second week of August to 877 cases in the last week of September, with a notable increase in patients age 60 and older.

The B.C. government's COVID-19 immunization webpage says invitations to book an appointment for the COVID and flu vaccines will be sent out by email and text to those who have previously received a shot. 

Invitations will be sent to priority groups first, including those age 65 and older, residents in long-term care facilities, Indigenous people, pregnant people, health-care workers and people with chronic health conditions, the website says.

B.C. residents can also call the provincial call centre's Get Vaccinated system — at 1-833-838-2323 — to book their appointments, according to the health ministry.

In addition, some B.C. pharmacies may be offering the COVID-19 and influenza shots at walk-in clinics. A health ministry spokesperson says residents can use these clinics to get their shot, as long as it has been six months since their last COVID-19 dose.

"While it is always best to use the call centre or Get Vaccinated System to book your appointment, individual pharmacies may book an appointment for their customers directly with the pharmacy, using the Get Vaccinated system," the spokesperson said.

"This however will depend on availability and as long as the person is eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine (six months after their previous dose)."