SURREY, B.C. — With winter fast approaching, Fraser Health is calling on residents across the region to roll up their sleeves and get immunized against both influenza and COVID-19. The health authority says timely vaccination will help protect individuals, families and the broader health system as respiratory viruses surge in the colder months.
Every winter, hospitals across British Columbia experience a rise in emergency room visits, particularly from patients with respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19. Fraser Health says proactive immunization is a key way to ease pressure on emergency departments and ensure that care remains available for those with urgent or life-threatening conditions.
“By proactively getting immunized against flu and COVID-19, you can help us keep our Emergency Departments available to support people who need care for an urgent or emergent health concern,” the release stated.
Protecting the vulnerable
Health officials are emphasizing vaccination as a proven method to prevent serious complications from influenza and COVID-19, including pneumonia, hospitalization and death. Vulnerable populations — such as young children, pregnant people, Indigenous communities, seniors over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions — remain at highest risk.
“Flu and COVID-19 can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization or death in vulnerable people. Getting immunized prevents the spread of both viruses and protects people at high risk of serious illness,” Fraser Health said.
Vaccines are updated annually to target the strains most likely to circulate. Because immunity can wane over time, public health officials stress the importance of staying up to date, especially for those at higher risk of severe outcomes.
How to get vaccinated
Appointments for flu and COVID-19 immunizations can be booked through B.C.’s Get Vaccinated system. Residents registered with the program will receive an email or text with a personalized booking link. If appointments are unavailable, Fraser Health advises checking back regularly as new slots are added with additional vaccine shipments.
Appointments can also be made by calling the toll-free Get Vaccinated line at 1-833-838-2323. Families with young children between six months and 11 years can book specialized clinic appointments through 1-888-838-2323, with one accompanying family member eligible to receive their vaccine during the same visit.
Those not yet registered can do so online at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by phone. Primary care providers may also offer immunization services.
Pharmacies and convenience
Across the Fraser Health region, pharmacies continue to play a major role in vaccine delivery, administering 87 per cent of flu and COVID-19 doses to people aged 12 and older. Many pharmacies offer walk-in appointments, and bookings can also be made through the Get Vaccinated system or call centre.
People can receive both the flu and COVID-19 shots in a single visit, a practice Fraser Health describes as safe and recommended. Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for a free enhanced flu vaccine tailored to provide stronger protection. Details are available on the Government of British Columbia’s flu vaccine page.
Recognizing symptoms and staying safe
Both viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets — from coughing, sneezing, talking or touching contaminated surfaces. Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and cough. COVID-19 symptoms overlap but can also include loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea and breathing difficulties.
Beyond vaccination, Fraser Health continues to promote preventive measures proven effective in reducing virus transmission. These include regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded or high-risk settings, and staying home when feeling unwell.
A community effort
“Winter wellness starts here. By taking simple steps now, you can get a head start on winter health and safety,” the release said. Fraser Health is encouraging residents to combine vaccination with healthy habits and preparedness for cold and wet weather through its Winter Set Go campaign, available at fraserhealth.ca/WinterSetGo.
Fraser Health provides care across the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations, serving 32 First Nations communities in the Fraser Salish region. Its 50,000-plus staff, medical professionals and volunteers deliver hospital and community-based services to more than 1.9 million residents across the region.
For more information on flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit fraserhealth.ca/defence.
