Are there any vaccination programs for influenza or COVID-19?

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

  1. Funding for COVID-19 vaccines – Starting January 1, 2025, provinces will gradually take over procurement, but the vaccine will remain free for recommended groups.
  2. Funding sources – Influenza: fully funded by provincial budgets.
    – COVID-19: mixed model (federal reserves + provincial tenders).
  3. 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

  1. Federal delivery to the North: PHAC charter flights to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (until mid-September).
  2. Indigenous Services Canada: Fly-in Flu and Community COVID Boost programs in 139 remote reserves.
  3. 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

  1. Registration: join provincial portals (Get Vaccinated, Clic Santé, Ontario Bookings) — receive SMS reminders.

  2. Timing: optimal campaign — mid-October to late November (immunity develops in approximately two weeks).

  3. Combination: ask for the flu/COVID dose at the same time — it's a safe combo.

  4. 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.