Quick answer
In Alberta, the flu vaccine is free for everyone, and provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines open to people 65 and older on October 19, 2026. Book at a pharmacy, online, or through Health Link at 811 (Alberta.ca). In British Columbia, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone 6 months and older, with appointments from October 13, 2026. Register with Get Vaccinated or call 1-833-838-2323 (BC Gov News).
Key takeaways
- Alberta: COVID-19 vaccines are provincially funded for people 65 and older from October 19, 2026. Most people can book at least 3 months after their last dose.
- Alberta: the RSV vaccine is publicly funded all year for adults 70 and older living in the community. One dose is needed in a lifetime.
- BC: booking invitations go out through Get Vaccinated. People who are not registered will not get one.
- BC: a time limited free RSV program covers adults 75 and older.
- BC’s Ministry of Health lists adults 65 and older among the groups at higher risk from flu and COVID-19.
Key dates this fall
Three dates matter most for seniors in Calgary, Edmonton and Metro Vancouver.
BC invitations
Get Vaccinated starts sending booking invitations to priority groups. (source)
Alberta COVID-19
Provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines open to Albertans 65 and older. (source)
Fall vaccine season works differently in each province. If you help a parent or grandparent, this guide sums up what each government says about dates, who can get vaccines at no cost, and how to book. Questions about which vaccine is right for a person belong with their doctor or pharmacist, Health Link 811 in Alberta, or HealthLink BC.
Alberta: Calgary and Edmonton
1.Flu vaccine
Free for all Albertans. Book online, at a pharmacy, or by calling Health Link at 811. Many pharmacies accept walk ins.
2.COVID-19 vaccine
Starting October 19, 2026, provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines are available to Albertans 65 and older, plus other listed groups. Most people can book at least 3 months after their last dose. Adults can book at a community pharmacy, online, or through 811.
3.RSV vaccine
Publicly funded and available all year, with one dose needed in a lifetime. It is for adults 70 and older living in the community, adults 60 and older in continuing care or seniors supportive living, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people 60 and older. Contact a community pharmacy or a participating doctor’s clinic, and call ahead.
British Columbia: Metro Vancouver
4.Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Free for everyone 6 months and older. The Get Vaccinated system began sending booking invitations to priority groups on October 5, and appointments start as early as October 13. Invitations expand to everyone through early November.
Source: Beginning immunizations for viral respiratory season, BC Gov News
5.Not registered? Do this first
People who are not registered with Get Vaccinated will not receive an invitation. Register online or call the provincial line at 1-833-838-2323.
Source: BC Gov News
6.RSV vaccine
A time limited free program for adults 75 and older, residents 75 and older in long term care and assisted living, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people 60 and older. One dose is recommended.
Source: BC Gov News
7.Care homes
Some long term care, assisted living and independent living residents get vaccines through on site clinics.
Alberta and BC side by side
| Vaccine | Alberta | BC |
|---|---|---|
| Flu | Free for all Albertans | Free for everyone 6 months+ |
| COVID-19 | Funded for 65+ from Oct 19, 2026 | Free for everyone 6 months+ |
| RSV (one dose) | 70+ in the community | 75+, time limited |
| How to book | Pharmacy, online or 811 | Get Vaccinated or 1-833-838-2323 |
Sources: Alberta.ca, BC Gov News. Other eligible groups are listed on each page.
A short checklist for families
- In Alberta, find the date of your parent’s last COVID-19 dose before you book.
- In BC, make sure your parent is registered with Get Vaccinated, or the invitation will not arrive.
- Plan the trip: who drives, how long the wait may be, and who stays with your parent afterward.
- Looking for help with costs of care? See our guide to government help for Alberta seniors and family caregivers.
How we prepared this guide
Pinnacle Age Well is a home care provider serving families in Calgary, Edmonton and Metro Vancouver, in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and French. Our caregivers can help seniors book appointments, keep track of dates, and go with them to the pharmacy or clinic. We do not give vaccines or advise which vaccine to get.
From our care team.
- Official sources only. Every fact comes from a provincial government or health authority page, linked beside it.
- Checked on a date. We checked everything on October 12, 2026, and update the date at the top when it changes.
- Not medical advice. We restate public health information. Please ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
When can seniors get the COVID-19 vaccine in Alberta in 2026?
Starting October 19, 2026, provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines are available to Albertans 65 and older. Most people can book at least 3 months after their last dose, at a community pharmacy, online, or through Health Link at 811.
Is the flu shot free for seniors in Calgary and Edmonton?
Yes. The influenza vaccine is free for all Albertans. Book online, at a pharmacy, or by calling 811. Many pharmacies accept walk ins.
How do seniors in Vancouver book a flu or COVID-19 vaccine?
Through BC’s Get Vaccinated system. Registered people receive a booking invitation, with appointments from October 13, 2026. Anyone not registered can register online or call 1-833-838-2323.
Who can get a free RSV vaccine?
In Alberta, adults 70 and older living in the community, adults 60 and older in continuing care or seniors supportive living, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people 60 and older. In BC, a time limited program covers adults 75 and older and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people 60 and older. One dose is recommended in both provinces.
Can someone go with my parent to their vaccine appointment?
Yes, a family member or a paid caregiver can help book the appointment and go along. Pinnacle Age Well caregivers can do this in English, Cantonese, Mandarin or French in Calgary, Edmonton and Metro Vancouver. Call 403 471 1237.
Official sources
All pages checked on October 12, 2026.
- Respiratory virus season: get vaccinated, Government of Alberta
- Beginning immunizations for viral respiratory season, BC Ministry of Health (October 7, 2026)
- Get Vaccinated registration, Government of British Columbia
- Influenza immunization program, Government of British Columbia
- 2026 to 2027 seasonal vaccine program and older adult RSV vaccine, Fraser Health
- HealthLink BC
This guide is general information that restates official public health sources. It is not medical advice. Dates and eligibility can change, so confirm with your pharmacy, doctor or provincial health line before booking.
Need someone to go with your parent?
Our care team can help with booking, reminders and getting to the appointment, in English, Cantonese, Mandarin or French. We serve Calgary, Edmonton and Metro Vancouver.
Call 403 471 1237 Email us
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