Health Officials Urge British Columbians to Get Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Concerns Over Misinformation

More British Columbians are getting vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 this fall compared to last year, a trend that provincial health officials are welcoming amid concerns about misinformation campaigns.

According to data released by the provincial government, nearly 275,000 residents received their flu shots by October 19, compared to 254,000 during the same period last year. COVID-19 vaccination numbers have shown an even more significant increase, with approximately 215,000 people vaccinated so far, up from 158,000 during the first week of the 2024 campaign.

Health Minister Josie Osborne expressed concerns about the spread of vaccine misinformation, particularly from sources outside Canada.

“I do want to just speak briefly about something that continues to concern me, and that is the growing amount of misinformation and disinformation about vaccines, much of it coming from outside Canada, particularly the United States,” Osborne said during a public address on Wednesday.

She emphasized that these false claims can undermine public confidence in proven health measures and complicate informed decision-making. “Here in British Columbia, we base our health policies and decisions on strong scientific evidence and expert medical advice,” Osborne added.

British Columbia’s Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Martin Lavoie, noted that multiple respiratory viruses and bacteria are currently circulating in communities across the province. These pathogens can cause illnesses ranging from common colds to severe conditions like pneumonia.

“That could lead a number of people to end up in hospital intensive care units and even a few will be dying,” Dr. Lavoie warned. “We’re all potentially susceptible, but we know that we have a number of different groups who are at most at risk of severe disease and complications and usually, typically what we see there is the very young, the very old, and people with chronic medical conditions.”

The province has launched its 2025-2026 fall vaccination campaign with a strong recommendation that all residents aged six months and older get immunized with updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. For COVID-19 specifically, health officials are particularly encouraging vaccination among those who provide essential community and healthcare services, as well as individuals at highest risk of severe illness.

This vaccination push comes as healthcare systems across North America prepare for the typical seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses that often strain hospital resources during fall and winter months. Last year, British Columbia, like many other provinces, faced significant healthcare pressures during respiratory virus season, with emergency departments and urgent care centers reporting high patient volumes.

Public health experts have long noted that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe disease outcomes and reducing healthcare system burden during peak respiratory illness periods.

The province is utilizing its Get Vaccinated system to send notifications for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Residents not yet registered can do so online or by calling the provincial vaccination line. Vaccines are being made widely accessible through health authority clinics, more than 1,200 participating pharmacies, and some primary care providers’ offices.

The increase in vaccination rates this year may reflect growing public awareness about the importance of protection against respiratory illnesses, especially as the memory of pandemic-related disruptions remains relatively fresh in public consciousness.

As winter approaches, health officials will continue monitoring vaccination rates and disease prevalence, adjusting public health messaging accordingly to protect vulnerable populations and maintain healthcare system capacity throughout the respiratory illness season.