RSV vaccine

More appointments will be available in the coming weeks as more RSV vaccine doses arrive in B.C.

The RSV vaccine is available year-round. 

Last updated: October 2nd, 2026 at 3:48pm

The RSV vaccine helps protect you from serious illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

If you are not eligible for the free RSV vaccine, visit HealthLinkBC the BC Pharmacy Association to learn how to get vaccinated.

When to choose

The RSV vaccine is recommended if you are:

  • 75 years or older
  • First Nations, Métis or Inuit and 60 years or older


The RSV vaccine is also recommended for some adults under 75 and some pregnant people. It is not free for these groups.

Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist to learn more about getting the vaccine.

How it works

  • You only need one dose of the RSV vaccine.
  • Starting in fall 2026, you can get the vaccine for free if you have not had an RSV vaccine before and you are:
    • 75 years or older
    • First Nations, Métis or Inuit and 60 years or older

How to get your RSV vaccine

How you get the RSV vaccine depends on where you live and whether you can get it for free.

Choose the option below that applies to you.

Pharmacies

If you're eligible for a free RSV vaccine:
  1. Find a participating pharmacy.
  2. Contact the pharmacy before you go to make sure they have the vaccine and ask if you need an appointment.

*If the vaccine is out of stock, check again later. More vaccines will be available throughout the season.

See the list of participating pharmacies

South Island

Central Island

North Island

If you need to pay for your RSV vaccine:
  1. Find a pharmacy offering the vaccine through BC Pharmacy. You will have to pay the pharmacy directly. 

If you live in a rural and remote community

If there is no participating pharmacy in your community, you can get your RSV vaccine at an upcoming Island Health immunization clinic. 

Clinic dates are coming soon.

Communities with Island Health RSV vaccine clinics
  • Port Alice 
  • Woss 
  • Sointula 
  • Hornby Island 
  • Denman Island 
  • Read Island 
  • Cortes Island 
  • Sayward 
  • Bamfield 
  • Lasqueti 
  • Gabriola Island 
  • Thetis Island 
  • Mayne Island 
  • Galiano Island 
  • Saturna Island 
  • Port Renfrew   

If you live in long-term care or assisted living

If you are eligible, you will be offered the RSV vaccine where you live. You do not need to go to a pharmacy.

If you cannot leave your home

If you are homebound, you may be able to get your RSV vaccine at home. Call your community health services office or the community access line for help.

What to expect

Before you go

  • Contact the pharmacy to make sure the RSV vaccine is available and ask if you need an appointment.
  • Wear a short-sleeve top.
  • Bring your BC Services Card or photo ID.

When you get your vaccine

  • A pharmacist or nurse will ask a few quick health questions.
  • The vaccine goes in your upper arm and takes a few seconds.
  • Plan to stay up to 15 minutes after, just to be safe.

After your vaccine

  • Your arm may feel sore.
  • You may also feel tired or have a mild fever for a day or two.
  • Moving your arm and using a cool cloth can help with soreness.
  • Most people feel fine the next day.

Need more help?

Call 1-833-838-2323 to find out if you can get the vaccine and get help with questions about getting vaccinated.

Resources for health professionals

Information for community vaccine providers
Information for long-term care and assisted living facilities