Masks

In accordance with Ministry of Health policy, as of January 9, 2025, medical masks are required for health care workers, visitors, contractors and volunteers in patient care areas in health authority–operated facilities, programs and services. Health authority–operated facilities include hospitals, long-term care and assisted-living, outpatient clinics and ambulatory care settings.

Temporary measures like masking in health care facilities help reduce the spread of respiratory illness this season and keep patients, residents and health care workers safe. 

For more information, read the BC Government guidance and requirements on wearing a mask in patient care areas.

Patient care areas where medical masks should be worn

A patient care area is any area in a health care facility where patients, residents and clients are actively receiving care.

How to Wear a Face Mask

Watch this video or see the How to Wear a Face Mask poster from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

News & Events

Walk-in availability makes it easy for families to get immunized heading into the holiday season

Walk-in availability makes it easy for families to get immunized heading into the holiday season

Now is the best time to get your influenza and COVID-19 immunizations to provide protection as we head into the holiday season and gather with loved ones.

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Child getting immunized at an Island Health facility

Reducing barriers and increasing access supports families to get immunized

For physicians Aaron Childs and Sonja Mathes, vaccinating their three children is a matter of course. 

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Child and mother

Children under five years now eligible to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Beginning August 2, 2022, all people over the age of six months in B.C. can now receive protection against the COVID-19 virus, following Health Canada’s approval of the vaccine specifically formulated for children between the ages of six months and five years old.

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