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British Columbia recorded the highest flu activity in Canada during the week of October 4, according to new data from Health Canada. More than five per cent of tests came back positive for influenza that week, with Influenza A(H1N1) accounting for 98.4 per cent of detections. Adults aged 65 and older were the most affected group. The figures confirm that flu season in B.C. has arrived earlier than usual this year.
Flu Season Starts Earlier Than Expected
Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre and the Vancouver Urban Health Centre, said the numbers clearly mark the start of the respiratory virus season. “When test positivity exceeds five per cent, we declare the beginning of the respiratory virus season,” he said. “At the end of September, we were recording rates in excess of 14 per cent. So flu is around.”
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Conway noted that the early arrival of flu in B.C. should not have come as a surprise. Yukon had already seen an early start to its flu season, and B.C. followed a similar pattern. “We’re seeing more and more cases,” he said. “We’re starting to see hospitalizations.”
He also pointed to the timing of the provincial vaccine rollout as a signal. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the vaccine program roughly one to two weeks earlier than she typically does. Conway urged residents to act on that signal. “So get your shot,” he said.
Free Vaccines Available Against Multiple Respiratory Illnesses
Dr. Henry confirmed that free vaccines are available this season for influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease. She identified several groups at higher risk of serious illness. Those groups include residents aged 65 and older, pregnant people, those living in long-term care, Indigenous people and individuals with chronic health conditions. Infants and children under five also face a higher risk specifically from influenza.
In addition, Henry strongly urged anyone working in a health-care setting to get both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Conway said the goal is for at least 50 per cent of the general population to get vaccinated, and at least 80 per cent of high-risk groups.
How to Book a Vaccination Appointment
Conway also addressed concerns about vaccine side effects directly. “Vaccines have side effects. I will not dispute that,” he said. However, he offered practical advice for those worried about reactions. He suggested taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen and avoiding a heavy schedule the day after vaccination. “In almost all cases, the side effects wear off, and now you’re protected for the entire season,” he said. “And that applies to flu shots and COVID shots.”
Notifications to book appointments went out to higher-risk populations on October 5. Appointments became available starting Tuesday, October 13. The province plans to expand notifications to the general population through early November 2026. The Get Vaccinated registration system is handling all appointment bookings. Anyone not yet registered can sign up online or by calling 1-833-838-2323.
