Everyone 18 years and older will be invited to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, starting with people most at risk.
Why do I need a booster dose?
A booster dose is an additional shot of vaccine that helps you maintain and lengthen your protection against COVID-19. When you get a booster dose, you’re helping to protect yourself and the people around you from COVID-19.
Your booster dose does not affect your proof of vaccination status. You’re considered fully vaccinated with 2 doses of vaccine.
What kind of vaccine will I receive?
You will receive either the Moderna or Pfizer (mRNA) vaccine for your booster dose. These vaccines are interchangeable.
If you received AstraZeneca for your first or second dose, you will receive Moderna or Pfizer for your booster.
When can I get my booster dose?
The timing of your booster dose is based on your risk level of getting COVID-19, your age and the time (six to eight months) since your second dose.
Once you become eligible, you remain eligible. You will not miss your opportunity to get your booster dose.
You must be invited to book an appointment. You cannot drop-in at a clinic or call a pharmacy to get a booster.
Key Priority Groups
November 2021 to January 2022
People in the following groups will receive an invitation 6 months after the date of their second dose. Please wait to receive your invitation to book an appointment.
- People born in 1961 or earlier (60+)
- Indigenous people (18+)
- Clinically Extremely Vulnerable
- Rural and remote Indigenous communities
- Residents in independent living facilities
- People who receive long-term home support
- Health care workers
- People who received the AstraZeneca vaccine
You will be invited to book an appointment to get your booster if you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system. If you haven’t received a booking invitation, you might not be registered. Register now.
Everyone in B.C.
January 2022 onwards
Starting in January 2022, people 18 years and older will receive a booking invitation between six to eight months after the date of their second dose.
First and second vaccine doses will continue to protect you from COVID-19 until you get a booster dose.
How do I get ready for my booster dose?
To receive your booking invitation, you must be registered with the Get Vaccinated system provincial registration system and your immunization record must be up-to-date. If you’re not sure, confirm your information as soon as possible.
- Log-in to Health Gateway to check your immunization record
- Update your immunization record if it’s incorrect or if you got a dose in another province or country
If you need help
Phone the call centre at 1-833-838-2323 if you have questions or if you don’t know if you’re registered with the Get Vaccinated system. Visit the British Columbia Vaccine and Immunization website for more information.