Vaccinations

COVID-19 Boosters Fall 2026: Updated Guidance for Fraser Valley Residents

The iHealth Pharmacy Team September 25, 2026 5 min read

COVID-19 hasn't gone away. The virus continues to evolve, and updated vaccines are released each year to match circulating strains. For Chilliwack residents wondering whether to get another booster this fall, here's the current guidance.

Who should get a fall 2026 booster

The updated 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for:

Adults 65 and older (highest priority — boosters every 6 to 12 months)

Adults with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, immunocompromise, obesity, or pregnancy

Residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities

People from communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19

Healthcare workers and first responders

Adults who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19

For healthy adults aged 18 to 64 who are not in a high-risk group, the recommendation is more nuanced. A fall 2026 booster is reasonable, particularly if you haven't had a dose or infection in the past 12 months, but it's not as urgent as it is for higher-risk groups.

Children aged 6 months to 17 years who are at high risk or who have never been vaccinated are also eligible. Otherwise, healthy children's vaccination is at parental discretion and based on shared decision-making with a healthcare provider.

What's different about this year's vaccine

The fall 2026 vaccines are updated to target the SARS-CoV-2 subvariants currently in circulation, including descendants of the JN.1 lineage and emerging variants. The updates are similar in spirit to how flu vaccines are reformulated each year — to better match the virus as it evolves.

The two vaccines available in Canada this fall are:

mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax) — the most widely used platform

Protein subunit vaccine (Novavax Nuvaxovid) — an alternative for those who can't or prefer not to take mRNA vaccines

Both are expected to be available in BC pharmacies by mid-fall.

Timing

For most people, the optimal timing for a fall booster is October through November, ahead of the winter respiratory illness season. This gives your immune system time to build protection before the usual December-February peak.

If you've recently had a COVID-19 infection, you can wait 3 to 6 months before getting another dose, since recent infection provides some temporary protection. Talk to a pharmacist about the best timing for your specific situation.

What about co-administration with the flu shot?

Yes, you can get the COVID-19 booster and the flu shot at the same visit. This is the standard recommendation from public health authorities. It saves a trip and gets both vaccines into your system when they need to be.

If you're also due for an RSV vaccine (for adults 60+ or pregnant people), that can usually be given at the same visit too, though your pharmacist can help decide the best timing for each.

What to expect

The updated COVID-19 vaccines have similar side effect profiles to earlier versions:

Common: Sore arm, fatigue, mild headache, low-grade fever for 1-2 days

Less common: Body aches, chills, swollen lymph nodes

Rare: Allergic reactions (we monitor for 15 minutes post-vaccination)

Serious side effects remain very rare. The mRNA vaccines have been administered billions of times worldwide with an excellent safety record.

Booking your booster

Walk-in COVID-19 boosters are available at iHealth Pharmacy during regular business hours. No appointment needed, though you can book ahead if you prefer.

Bring your BC Services Card. If you've been vaccinated outside of BC, bring your records so we can update your profile. Most appointments take about 15 minutes including the post-vaccination observation period.

Treating COVID-19 if you get sick

Even with vaccination, breakthrough infections happen. If you test positive for COVID-19 and you're at high risk for severe disease, antiviral medications like Paxlovid can reduce the severity and duration of illness. The key is starting treatment within 5 days of symptom onset.

Pharmacists in BC can now assess and prescribe Paxlovid directly for eligible patients. If you test positive, contact us as soon as possible — we can often arrange same-day assessment and treatment.

Eligibility for Paxlovid includes:

Adults 65 and older, regardless of vaccination status

Adults 18+ with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, immunocompromise, etc.)

Adults 18+ who are unvaccinated or haven't had COVID-19 before

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and want to know whether Paxlovid is right for you, call us. We'll ask a few questions and let you know.

Staying healthy this winter

Beyond vaccines, the basics still work:

Stay home when sick

Wash hands frequently

Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings if you're at high risk

Test if you have symptoms, especially before visiting vulnerable family members

Keep your regular medications refilled — don't wait until you're out

iHealth Pharmacy is here to help with all of it, from vaccines to prescriptions to advice when you're not sure what to do. We've been part of the Chilliwack community through every phase of the pandemic and we're committed to keeping our neighbors healthy through this winter and beyond.

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines or treatment, talk to one of our pharmacists. We can help you make an informed decision based on your personal health situation.

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