COVID-19 Immunization

Learn more about:

How do I get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated in BC is easy. You can register online using the province’s Get Vaccinated website, or visit the BCCDC webpage for a list of drop-in clinics across all health authorities.

If you have concerns about these options, you may also wish to speak to your employer. They may be able to reach out to the relevant health authority to work out the best and easiest way for you to get vaccinated.

The Get Vaccinated website will also notify you when you become eligible for your third dose as part of BC’s booster program. For most health care workers, the booster dose has been available since November 2021. Everyone else who is eligible for their booster dose will be invited to book an appointment ~6 months from the time that you received your second dose.

How do the vaccines work?

Four vaccines for COVID-19 have been approved by Health Canada and are being distributed across the country. These are:

Moderna
Pfizer / BioNTech
Oxford University / AstraZeneca
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

The vaccines all work a little differently. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, while the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines are viral vector vaccines. Click on the links below to learn more about how these two types of vaccines work.

Importantly, none of the four vaccines involve injecting people directly with the COVID-19 virus.

Still have questions about getting vaccinated? Ask us!

COVID-19 vaccinations are coordinated provincially through the COVID-19 Immunization Plan. You will be notified when you’re eligible. In the meantime, ensure that you are registered on the ‘Get Vaccinated’ website.

In partnership with The Public Health Agency of Canada

Information and Resources

Where to Find More Information

Vaccine Development and Approval in Canada

Provided by Health Canada, this infographic gives an overview of the process vaccines go through to ensure they are effective and safe.

Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines

The Government of Canada’s webpage on the vaccine. Contains information on which vaccines are approved and how they work.

Side Effects

Immunize BC answers a range of questions about side effects and allergies.

COVID-19 Vaccine at a Glance

Vaccine information from the BC Centre of Disease Control.

Ask Me Anything: Expert Q&A on COVID-19 Vaccination for Continuing Care Workers

University of British Columbia’s Dr. Manish Sadarangani answers your questions about the vaccine. Webinar originally aired on September 10, 2021.

HealthLink BC COVID-19 Vaccines Information

A detailed questions and answers page provided by HealthLink BC. Available in multiple languages.

COVID-19 vaccination and the workplace

This WorkSafeBC page includes information about the role that vaccination can play in workplace health and safety, along with information about submitting a claim for an adverse reaction to a work-related COVID-19 vaccination.