How to get your first dose vaccine
Everyone 12 + (born in 2009 or earlier) can get their first dose of the vaccine at our drop-in hours, at our mobile clinics, or by appointment. Visit our COVID-19 Immunization Clinic page for clinic locations and times.
You can register for a first dose appointment through the Get Vaccinated Provincial System.
How to get your second dose vaccine
To get your second dose, you need to book an appointment.
If you registered with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system for your first dose, you will be notified by email, text or phone call when it’s your turn to book an appointment for your second dose.
If you received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before the provincial registration system was available (April 6), register for your second dose at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
You will get a second dose notification to book your appointment approximately 8 weeks from the date you received your first dose.
I received my notification to book my second dose, but when I tried to book there were no appointments available in my community. Will more appointments be added?
First, thank you for your patience. As more people become eligible for their second dose and as we continue to provide first doses, the schedules may temporarily appear fully booked.
We are constantly reviewing clinic capacity and adding more appointments where they are needed. If you are unable to book when you receive your notification, please try back later.
What is the recommended interval between the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine?
The recommended maximum interval between doses is 16 weeks. People will receive a booking notification approximately eight weeks after their first dose and are asked to schedule their second dose at that time.
What should I do if I have questions about my second dose?
If you have questions or aren’t sure if you are registered with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system, phone the call centre at 1-833-838-2323, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PDT).
I got the AstraZenca first dose at a pharmacy. How do I get my second dose?
If you received AstraZeneca for your first dose, you have a choice. You can choose to get AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) for your second dose. Before making your decision, we recommend you review information on second dose vaccine choice from the BCCDC.
If you want to get Pfizer or Moderna for your second dose: you must register with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system. Once you have registered, you will get an invitation to book an appointment to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for your second dose.
If you want to get the AstraZeneca vaccine for your second dose: no action is required on your part. The pharmacy where you got your first dose will contact you to book your second dose. You don’t need to call your pharmacy. These invitations to book with pharmacies will start going out June 7, beginning with those who received their first dose in April.
When you will be contacted is based on the date of your first dose
| Date of first dose | When you will be contacted |
| March 31 to April 13 | June 7 to June 20 |
| April 14 to April 27 | June 21 to July 5 |
| April 28 onwards | July 6 onwards |
I got the AstraZenca first dose through my employer. How do I get my second dose?
If you received AstraZeneca for your first dose, you have a choice. You can choose to get AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) for your second dose. Before making your decision, we recommend you review information on second dose vaccine choice from the BCCDC.
If you want to get Pfizer or Moderna for your second dose: register with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system. Once registered, you will get an invitation to book an appointment to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
If you want to get the AstraZeneca vaccine for your second dose and got your first dose through your workplace or employer: no action is required on your part. Like your first dose, your employer or Interior Health will set up second dose appointments.
What if I got one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine outside of British Columbia?
If you have already received one or both doses outside of B.C., go to https://gov.bc.ca/vaccinerecord to update your immunization records.
For more information on accessing your records and getting your second dose, see Vaccinated outside of BC.
What should I expect at my vaccine appointment?
Here’s how to prepare for your appointment:
- Read the COVID-19 Vaccine Health File. Your immunizer will also go over this information and answer any of your questions.
- Bring your BC Services Card/Personal Health Number and photo ID, if you have them.
- Wear clothing that allows access to your upper shoulder area.
- Wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide you with one.
Your appointment will take about 30 minutes.
Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell, experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache), or if you have been asked to self-isolate. If you need to cancel, phone the call centre to reschedule you appointment.
Important reminder: Public health orders remain in effect for everyone, including those who have received their vaccine. Please continue to avoid gatherings, wear masks, avoid non-essential travel and practice good hand hygiene and physical distancing.
Who can I talk to about COVID-19 services?
Talk to a Service BC agent about non-health related information and services.
Service is available 7:30 am to 8 pm. Standard message and data rates may apply.
You can also use the Digital Agent (visible in the lower left corner of this website) to chat online about COVID-19.
Does Interior Health need more immunizers to support vaccine clinics?
Yes, Interior Health is currently asking qualified clinicians (including retired physicians, pharmacists and nurses) who are interested in being immunizers and supporting the vaccination campaign to submit their contact information through our Online Immunizer Form.