Summary

• 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
• Only one dose of RSV vaccine is currently required as it provides long-lasting protection 
• It is safe to get an RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
• 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

Seniors in B.C. with the highest risk of serious illness from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be able to get the vaccine at no-cost, starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.

RSV is a common virus that causes a respiratory illness similar to other viruses like influenza, with symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat and cough. While most people recover from an RSV infection without any issues, it can cause severe illness, including hospitalization and death in older adults, infants and those with underlying health conditions.

Notifications will go out beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, and appointments are expected to be available starting Sept. 29.

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 Métis individuals 60 and older

Seniors in long-term care homes and assisted living facilities will get vaccinated first.

Only one dose of RSV vaccine is currently recommended as it provides long-lasting protection. It is safe to get an RSV vaccine at the same time as influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

RSV vaccine will be available year-round at many local pharmacies, public-health units, long-term care homes or assisted living facilities and at community health centres or nursing stations in First Nations communities.

Quick Fact:

• Notifications will include information on how to book appointments and will be sent out to eligible individuals who are registered in the Get Vaccinated system.
• 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.

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