Canada Respiratory Infection Vaccine Coverage Survey | Canada.ca

Objective of the survey

ECVIRS collects data on influenza and COVID-19 vaccination among adults aged 18 and older in Canada. It replaces the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage Survey conducted each influenza season from 2015-2016 to 2023-2024.

The survey results tell us about the level of protection adults have against influenza and COVID-19 in Canada, as well as their knowledge and opinions about these vaccines. In addition to measuring vaccination coverage, the results of the survey are used to:

This survey is complementary to the Standardization of Vaccination Reporting (STARVAX) system. It collects information not available in vaccination registers, such as:

• socio-demographic data
• reasons for non-vaccination
• knowledge, attitudes and beliefs

It also makes it possible to estimate coverage on a national scale even though not all provinces and territories participate in STARVAX.

Methodology

• The investigation is led by Léger.
• Data collection takes place in January and February.
• Participants are recruited by random telephone dialing.
• Participant responses are collected through computer-assisted telephone interviews.
• Vaccination coverage for influenza and COVID-19 is defined as the percentages of people vaccinated against these diseases between September 1 of the previous year and the date of the interview.
• All percentages are weighted by age, gender and province or territory of residence, to ensure the sample is representative.

Vaccination Recommendations

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated against influenza annually. Flu vaccines are particularly recommended for:

• 65 years and over
• children from 6 months to 5 years old
• people with chronic illnesses that increase the risk of complications
• pregnant people
• residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• the indigenous people

Flu Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide

NACI recommends COVID-19 vaccination to people at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe illness from COVID-19:

• 65 years and over
• residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• people with chronic chronic illnesses that increase their risk of severe COVID-19
• pregnant people
• the indigenous people
• members of racialized and other equity-seeking communities
• healthcare workers.

COVID-19 Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide

To learn more about vaccines, consult the Canadian Immunization Guide.

Suggested quote

Public Health Agency of Canada, Seasonal Respiratory Infection Vaccination Coverage Survey. Ottawa: Public Health Agency of Canada; 2025-10-31.

Related links

Influenza

COVID-19