⚠️ Nuvaxovid (previously Novavax) update! ⚠️

October 20, 2026

There have been contradictory messages from BC gov & staff, so we wanted to share what we’re hearing now. Please keep in mind that the situation is evolving and some info may change.

• As of today (October 20, 2026), there is some Nuvaxovid in BC, currently being distributed through public health units (PHUs)/community health centres rather than pharmacies. Find one in your area:

• Some people have already gotten appointments, or gotten vaccinated; others are waitlisted. We’re hearing of some more people getting appointments each day, so it’s happening, though not at the rate and scale we’d like to see.

• Current publicly-funded stock is very limited. Different locations seem to use slightly different methods to assign doses; some PHUs are prioritizing people with medical need, like past adverse reactions to other vaccine options. In some cases, this has involved self-attesting (just telling them why you need Nuvaxovid); in other cases, people have been asked for GP sign-off. Not all staff may have the same info, even at the same locations.

• It may also be possible for pharmacies to order in Nuvaxovid for private pay. We know of at least one Vancouver-based pharmacy that has done this in the past (YNP Dunbar, $200/dose), or people can enquire with their own pharmacy. There is likely a minimum number of doses per order; for more on how pharmacy orders work, check out this resource by Jeff Gilchrist:

• We’re not yet aware of anyone who’s successfully booked Nuvaxovid through the BC vaccine line – even though BC’s own website tells people to phone them! While the situation may change, for now, we suggest directly phoning PHUs directly to ask for publicly-funded Nuvaxovid.
  
• Remember, Moderna and Pfizer are also available for free in BC, though Pfizer may not be offered at all locations. You don’t need to wait for an invitation to book mRNA vaccines – you can book online or by phone today.

• THIS SHOULDN’T BE THIS HARD. For months, you’ve joined us in telling BC gov that we not only need Nuvaxovid in BC, but we also need sufficient supply, clear messaging, and timely rollout. If you have thoughts about how well BC’s doing on that front… you can use our email tool below to contact many key policy-makers at once: just replace the old form email with a note about your search for Novavax Nuvaxovid, and tell them it’s URGENT they publicly share how to access this vaccine option – including telling the vaccine line!
  
• Have some extra energy (or frustration)? You can also:
  • Tag reporters or news outlets on socials
  • Send a short “letter to the editor” replying to any news stories about hte fall vaccine rollout – even a few sentences is fine!
  • Email BCCDC or the PHO directly, and CC a reporter or news outlet

Find more info about COVID vaccine access across Canada from our friends at Still COVIDing Canada: