Start the New Year Right: Stay Updated on Vaccinations in 2025

As we welcome the new year, it’s a great time to ensure you and your family are prepared by staying up to date with vaccinations and essential health services. From obtaining identification to enrolling in health coverage and keeping immunization records current, taking these steps will help you start the year on the right foot.

First Steps:

BCID (British Columbia Identification Card)

The British Columbia identification card (BCID) is an essential government photo ID that will help you access various services requiring identification in Canada. You can obtain a BCID at any ICBC Driver Licensing office, even if you don’t hold a driver’s license from your country.

How to Get Your BCID Card:

You must be 12 or older.
Book an appointment at a driver licensing office.
Bring accepted identification.
Pay the applicable fee.

For more details, visit ICBC BCID Application.

MSP (Medical Services Plan)

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides essential health coverage. Applying online is the easiest and fastest way. You’ll need ID for everyone on your application, and potentially other documents, depending on your situation.

How to Apply:

The fastest and easiest way to enroll is online. Ensure you have:

Identification for everyone in the application (digital copies for upload).
Supporting documents (marriage certificates, legal name change certificates, etc.), if necessary.

Application Options:

Apply online, in-person, or by mail.

For more information, visit Apply for MSP.

Routine Immunization in B.C.

Vaccinations protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases. Immunizations help the immune system recognize and combat harmful viruses and bacteria.

Why Immunize?

Protects individuals and the wider community
Prevents serious illness or death
Reduces strain on the healthcare system

Immunizations are provided at public health units, doctor’s or nurse practitioner’s offices, and pharmacies throughout the province.

Key Vaccinations:

Flu Vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older can get a free flu vaccine each fall/winter.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Available for everyone 6 months and older, it protects against severe illness.
HPV Vaccine: Prevents cancer; offered to all students in grade 6. Those who missed it can get it for free if they start before 19 and finish by 26. Also recommended and free for certain high-risk groups.

The B.C. Immunization Schedule can help you determine when you or your family needs to be immunized and how to access these vaccines:

Information from Immunize BC. https://immunizebc.ca/sites/default/files/docs/vaccine-schedule-infants-children-2021-v02_2.pdf

For comprehensive details on immunization schedules, access points, and specific groups, check out resources.

Maintaining Your Immunization Records:

Access Your Records: Register for Health Gateway to view or download your immunization records.
Update Your Records: If records are missing, they can be added to the electronic Provincial Immunization Registry. Submit or Update Records on this link.

For assistance with vaccine appointments and registrations, call 1-833-838-2323. Translators are available in over 220 languages, and services are accessible for those who are deaf or hard of hearing by dialing 711.

Sources:

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/health-features/vaccinations

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/immunizations

https://www.immunizationrecord.gov.bc.ca

http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/getting-a-vaccine

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp

https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Apply-for-a-bcid

https://www.stepwest.com/blog/how-to-guide/how-to-get-a-bcid-as-an-international-student-or-working-holiday-in-canada/#:~:text=Go%20to%20any%20ICBC%20Driver,country%20to%20get%20your%20BCID.