Nanaimo

Public Health Units provide publicly funded immunizations and related education, in addition to many other supports and services for all ages. These services and others are available for individuals living on- and off-reserve.

Publicly Funded (free) vaccines are available through:

• Public Health Centres
• Family physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Certified pharmacists

Vaccines recommended for all adults:

• HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
• Influenza (flu) vaccine
• Pertussis vaccine
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
• RSV vaccine
• Shingles vaccine
• TD (tetanus and diphtheria)

To discuss vaccine eligibility, book an appointment, or if additional immunizations are required due to certain health conditions, speak with a primary care provider or contact a local public health unit

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Program

The BC Infant RSV Immunoprophylaxis program dosing for 2026-2027 season starts September 1, 2026.

Eligibility: Please see the updated 2026-2027 Infant RSV Program Eligibility Criteria brochure for a detailed breakdown. RSV season is typically from October until the end of March. Eligible infants and children under 2 years of age can receive Nirsevimab which is a single-dose monoclonal antibody injection providing protection against severe illness due to RSV infection. Infants born after March 31st 2026 can receive nirsevimab through the BC RSV Program after September 1, 2026 if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Born premature
• Have chronic medical conditions (see eligibility criteria for examples)
• Infants under 6 months of age who live in a remote community (find eligible communities on the Map of RSV Eligible Communities); OR infants under 6 months of age living in isolated Indigenous communities (see FNHA list); OR congregate settings such as in supportive housing.

Eligible infants born during the RSV season may receive Nirsevimab before discharge from NICU or perinatal unit. Eligible infants who didn’t receive Nirsevimab in hospital or who were born outside of the RSV season can receive Nirsevimab in the community. Eligible children under 2 years can also receive Nirsevimab in the community.

Note: Island Health area providers, please see below for information on outpatient referrals, including the new Provincial Infant RSV Immunization Request e-Form.