Fall COVID-19 vaccine programs are rolling out across the country, but the details differ from province to province. Some have already published start dates and eligibility rules. Others are still finalizing theirs. Here is what the official provincial pages confirm as of Oct. 4, 2026.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) published its guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for fall 2026 in June. Provinces and territories decide for themselves who gets a free dose and when, which is why the rules are not the same everywhere.
Ontario
Ontario is running a two-stage rollout. During the week of Sept. 28, people at higher risk could begin getting free COVID-19 and flu vaccines. That priority group includes:
- adults 80 and older
- long-term care residents 18 and older
- residents of congregate living settings who are 65 and older
- adults 65 to 79 with specified medical conditions
- people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
- Indigenous people 55 and older and their household members
On Oct. 26, the vaccines open to anyone 6 months and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario. Both vaccines are free. The province says to contact your primary care provider or local pharmacy directly and to call ahead to confirm supply before you go. Pharmacies can also be found through the province’s vaccine locator. Details are on the Ontario COVID-19 vaccine page.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s 2026-27 program plan says COVID-19 and flu vaccines become available in October. Regional public health clinics begin on Oct. 13, and long-term care facilities are expected to finish their programs by the end of the month.
Everyone in Manitoba 6 months and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, at no cost. Priority is given to adults 65 and older, residents of congregate care settings, people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant people and Indigenous community members. International students and out-of-province visitors can get the COVID-19 vaccine free, though an administration fee may still apply.
Manitoba uses a provider-based model. You can find a provider using the province’s vaccine finder at manitoba.ca/respiratoryviruses/vaccinefinder.html, or call 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free. The full program plan is online.
Alberta
Alberta’s provincially funded immunization program begins Oct. 19, according to information shared with pharmacists. Community pharmacies will again be able to order and give provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines to eligible Albertans 12 and older. Flu shots at pharmacies are available to people 5 and older.
The pharmacy notice says more details on eligibility and vaccine availability will come in later communications, so check with Alberta Health Services or your pharmacy before you plan a visit. See the Alberta College of Pharmacy summary.
British Columbia
B.C. says COVID-19 vaccines will be available this fall, but it has not yet announced a start date, eligibility rules or locations. The province says more will be released later in the fall. It notes that vaccines are recommended for children and youth at higher risk of serious illness.
If a vaccine is recommended for you, B.C. says you will receive a notification once booking opens. You can register in advance through the Get Vaccinated system online or by calling 1-833-838-2323, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time.
Other provinces and territories
Quebec, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and the territories are at various stages of announcing their fall plans. Global News reported on Sept. 28 that several expect to begin in October, but this is still developing and dates and eligibility could change. Check your provincial health department’s website or your local pharmacy for the latest.
This story will be updated as more provinces confirm their plans.
This article is based on official guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health, Manitoba Health, the Alberta College of Pharmacy and the B.C. Ministry of Health and is provided for general public information. It’s not a substitute for medical advice, if you have questions about how this applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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Sources: Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta College of Pharmacy, B.C., NACI (Public Health Agency of Canada). Additional reporting via Global News.
