Canada Begins Fall 2026 Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout with Provincial Variations
Canadian provinces and territories have started their fall 2026 vaccination programs for flu and COVID-19, following NACI guidelines. While high-risk groups are prioritized across the country, start dates, eligibility criteria, and costs vary significantly by province.
Canadian provinces and territories have begun rolling out their fall 2026 vaccination programs for influenza and COVID-19. The national guidance is provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which released its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines earlier this year.
NACI strongly recommends immunization for high-risk groups, including adults aged 65 and older, health-care workers, and residents of long-term care homes. The committee also offers these vaccines to anyone six months and older. Additionally, NACI advises waiting approximately six months after receiving a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose before getting a new one.
Provincial approaches to distribution and timing differ across the country. In Ontario, high-risk groups began receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccines on Sept. 28. Free shots will become available to the general public in Ontario on Oct. 26.
In Alberta, free COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible groups start on Oct. 19. However, individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria can receive the vaccine at Primary Care Alberta for an administrative fee of $100 per dose or series. Notably, Alberta provides influenza vaccines free of charge to all Albertans regardless of eligibility status.
Manitoba’s rollout for both vaccines is scheduled to begin in early to mid-October. The province is also making a non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available through public health locations for people aged 12 and older who cannot or will not receive mRNA vaccines.
New Brunswick will begin vaccinations in mid-October, while Prince Edward Island Health PEI nurses will offer flu and COVID-19 shots at community vaccination clinics starting in October.
Several other jurisdictions have announced availability but lack specific start dates for a general rollout. Quebec has released eligibility criteria for free doses in early fall but has not provided specific dates for broader availability. In Quebec, people aged 12 and older who do not meet eligibility criteria must pay for flu and COVID-19 vaccines. British Columbia has stated that vaccines will be available in fall 2026 but has not provided specific dates. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon have also announced eligibility or booking availability without specific general rollout dates. Currently, Yukon residents can book appointments for flu and COVID-19 vaccines at local clinics, pharmacies, or health centres.
As of Sept. 28, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut had not provided details regarding their vaccine schedules.