Flu, COVID immunization campaign launches in B.C.

British Columbia has launched its immunization campaign for this year’s respiratory illness season, with influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations now available in pharmacies across the province.

The immunization plan was announced late last month as Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry reintroduced mask mandates in the province’s health-care settings with respiratory illnesses trending upward.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated to better protect against the latest variants. It is available for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Drugstore chain Pharmasave says they are anticipating an increase in demand for vaccines administered by pharmacies this year, as patients have increasingly turned to pharmacists for treating common ailments since the province authorized it in June.