What changed
British Columbia says seniors at the highest risk of serious illness from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be able to get the vaccine at no cost.
The official page states that starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, RSV vaccine will be available free of charge, as part of a time-limited program, to:
- adults 75 and older
- residents who are 75 and older living in long-term care homes and assisted living facilities
- First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals 60 and older
Seniors in long-term care homes and assisted living facilities will get vaccinated first.
The official page states that only one dose of RSV vaccine is currently required, as it provides long-lasting protection, and that it is safe to get an RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
On where to get it, the official page states that RSV vaccine will be available year-round at local pharmacies, public-health units, long-term care and seniors' assisted living residences and at community health centres or nursing stations in First Nations communities.
What the official text says
> Starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, RSV vaccine will be available free to adults 75 and older, residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities who are 75 and older and First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals 60 and older as part of a time-limited program BC is offering
Who is affected
Seniors who meet the age and residence conditions above, and their family members.
The official page states that notifications will be sent out to eligible individuals who are registered in the Get Vaccinated system, and that the notifications will include information on how to book appointments.
The official page states that the Province's RSV immunization program eligibility is based on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's (NACI) strong recommendation that all adults 75 years and older get immunized for RSV, due to their higher risk of serious disease.
When it starts
Free vaccination starts Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
Notifications go out beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, and appointments are expected to be available starting Sept. 29.
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