Canada maintains one of the world's most comprehensive free immunization programs against seasonal influenza and COVID-19. The federal National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides scientific recommendations, while provinces and territories are responsible for vaccine procurement, logistics, and public programs.
1. NACI 2025–2026 National Recommendations
| Disease | NACI Key Position | Priority Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Vaccine should be offered annually to all persons ≥ 6 months of age, except those for whom it is contraindicated | – Children 6 months–5 years – Adults 65+ – Chronic medical conditions – Pregnant women – Immunocompromised individuals |
| COVID-19 | Annual dose for everyone in risk groups; optional for others. Some categories — 2 doses/year | – Adults 65+ – LTC facilities and dormitories – Chronic patients, pregnant women – First Nations, Inuit, Métis – Healthcare workers |
2. Organization and financing of programs
- Funding for COVID-19 vaccines – Starting January 1, 2025, provinces will gradually take over procurement, but the vaccine will remain free for recommended groups.
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Funding sources
– Influenza: fully funded by provincial budgets.
– COVID-19: mixed model (federal reserves + provincial tenders). -
Vaccination sites
– Pharmacies (> 11,000 sites)
– Public health clinics
– Family doctors' offices
– Mobile teams for remote and vulnerable communities
3. Provincial features of influenza programs
| Province | Campaign start date | Locations and reservations | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | October 28, 2025 | Pharmacies, family doctors, 34 Health Units | Updated COVID dose at the same time |
| British Columbia | October (via Get Vaccinated) | Online/phone (1-833-838-2323), SMS reminders | Flucelvax® for ages 2–64 |
| Alberta | Mid-October | AHS website, Health Link 811, pharmacies | Delivery to northern communities |
| Quebec | Early November | CLSC, pharmacies, mobile buses (via Clic Santé) | “3-in-1”: flu + COVID-19 + RSV for ages 60+ |
| Atlantic Provinces | October (depending on supply) | Care homes, pregnant women, children | Campus student clinics |
4. Specifics of COVID-19 programs
4.1 Vaccination cycle
- 6 months–64 years without risk: 1 dose annually, if desired.
- 65+ and at-risk groups: minimum 1 dose; ≥ 6 months interval before second dose.
4.2 Vaccine types
| Platform | Example | Indications 2025+ |
|---|---|---|
| mRNA | Pfizer Comirnaty 2025, Moderna Spikevax 2025 | All ≥ 6 months |
| Bivalent protein | Novavax Nuvaxovid XBB | Alternative if mRNA is contraindicated |
| Live vector | AstraZeneca (not purchased since 2024) | Excluded from government programs |
4.3 Recording and proof
– Integration of COVID doses into provincial electronic registries (QR certificate).
– Provinces (BC, AB, ON, QC) accept external records for new arrivals.
5. Combined (“dual”) campaigns
- From 2022, NACI recommends simultaneous administration of influenza/COVID-19.
- Pharmacies offer “two shots per visit” (October–December).
- In 2024/25, 58% of those who received an updated COVID dose also received a flu shot.
6. Specific initiatives for vulnerable groups
- Federal delivery to the North: PHAC charter flights to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (until mid-September).
- Indigenous Services Canada: Fly-in Flu and Community COVID Boost programs in 139 remote reserves.
- Workplace Flu Shot Grants: tax credit of up to $15 per employee vaccinated on employer premises (BC, ON, QC).
7. Trends and next steps
| Trend | Expected impact |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 in the regular calendar (from 2026) | One fall dose, reimbursement based on the flu model |
| Expansion of adjuvanted high-dose flu vaccines | 22% reduction in hospitalizations (NACI modeling 2024) |
| Single digital immunization card (MyImmunize Canada) | Pilot in 4 provinces in 2025; national rollout in 2027 |
8. Practical tips
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Registration: join provincial portals (Get Vaccinated, Clic Santé, Ontario Bookings) — receive SMS reminders.
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Timing: optimal campaign — mid-October to late November (immunity develops in approximately two weeks).
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Combination: ask for the flu/COVID dose at the same time — it's a safe combo.
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Documentation: keep printed or digital QR certificates; they're needed for LTC and medical students.
Conclusion. Thanks to free seasonal campaigns and adapted NACI recommendations, Canadians have extensive options for protecting themselves against influenza and COVID-19. Timely registration, “double” shots, and proper documentation are key to staying safe during the 2025–2026 season.