2021-2022 Influenza Vaccine Program

We anticipate there will be continued high demand for influenza vaccines this year. We appreciate your continued support with vaccinating and protecting our communities.

We will update you about products for this season, public funding eligibility, and more detailed timelines and processes shortly. In the meantime, we are sharing some important information:

Key Updates & Messages

• NEW Community pharmacies will request vaccines through the BC Pharmacy Association. All other community immunizers (i.e. physicians) will continue to request vaccines through the public health units as in previous years.
• NEW Online vaccine request form: This year we will be rolling out an online request form for community immunizers (other than pharmacies), with more details to come. If needed, a fax option will also be available.
• Vaccine wastage: While the number of vaccines delivered was much higher than previous years, there was significant wastage of 83,000 doses in the region last year. To prevent wastage, please order only what you can use, keeping in mind that there are several places patients may access influenza vaccination.
• Assisted Living & First Nations communities: Fluzone® High Dose for those aged 65 years living in Assisted Living facilities and First Nations communities is to be ordered from Public Health.
• Long Term Care facilities receive vaccine for residents and staff directly from Public Health.
• Timelines:
  • October 1: Community immunizers submit initial vaccine requests to Public Health (you can continue to submit subsequent requests as you need more vaccine.)
  • Week of October 11: Expected vaccine pick up. Note that we aim to fulfill the majority of community immunizers’ allocation early in the season.
  • Mid-October: Per Provincial direction, community immunizers should start immunizing in mid to late October (date TBC). Highest risk populations may be immunized sooner through targeted clinics (e.g. Assisted Living, Long Term Care, health care workers).

Required Supplies and Storage when picking up vaccines

• Remember to bring a hard-sided insulated cooler, frozen ice pack, and packing materials (bubble wrap/paper) when picking up vaccines from Public Health. Vaccines should always be stored at 2-8°C. See this quick reference on vaccine storage and handling.
• Fluzone® High-Dose and some stock of Fluzone® come in prefilled syringes, which take up to 9-12 times more space than multi-dose vials. Ensure you have sufficient supplies to safely transport and store vaccine.