B.C. Centre for Disease Control

B.C. Centre for Disease Control Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from B.C. Centre for Disease Control, Medical and health, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.

The BC Centre for Disease Control works to improve the wellbeing of all people and communities living on the territories of many distinct First Nations in what is colonially known as British Columbia. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured the lands and waters around us from time immemorial, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located.

01/09/2026

Medetomidine is a potent non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine. It is similar to xylazine ("tranq") but approximately 200 times more potent. Naloxone does not reverse the effects of medetomidine. It should still always be administered in suspected opioid poisonings. Be prepared for prolong...

01/09/2026

It's not too late to get an influenza vaccine. Influenza seasons typically last until early spring and there may be several more weeks of respiratory virus activity across the province.

If you do get sick, stay home and wear a mask when you can’t stay away from others.

According to recent epidemiological data from BC:
- Markers of influenza activity have continued to increase or remain elevated in BC, with H3N2 being the most commonly detected strain this season.
- Overall influenza test positivity remains elevated and was at 24.3% the week of Dec 28.
- Influenza test positivity continues to increase in adults and remains high in all age groups.
- RSV test positivity is increasing in all age groups and is at moderate levels.
- SARS-CoV-2 test positivity is stable at low levels
- The proportions of emergency department and primary care visits for respiratory illness have been elevated in recent weeks, particularly among children. Trends are comparable to prior seasons.
Find the data at: https://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/data-reports/respiratory-virus-data

01/07/2026

Protect yourself from cervical cancer through:

1️⃣Screening
Request a cervix self-screening kit to screen wherever you feel most comfortable, like from home or a local clinic.

2️⃣ HPV vaccine
The vaccine protects against high risk strains of HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer.

12/23/2025

The holidays can be challenging for some, and the stress and pressure people are feeling may affect their substance use. There are resources available for people who need more support, as well as for family and friends who want to look out for loved ones. Visit helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca and towardtheheart.ca to learn more.

12/22/2025

Outbreak of Escherichia coli infections linked to Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops.

12/20/2025

BC received lots of rain in the past week. If you have a story to share about flooding, travel disruptions or more, consider posting to ecolens.ca.

Ecolens.ca is a new website that allows people to share personal stories about how climate change is impacting their health and well-being. You can express yourself through writing, art and photos.

Go to ecolens.ca to share your story and explore stories from others.

If you were affected by flooding, HealthLink BC has good resources about flooding, health and cleaning up after a flood.
- Cleaning up after a flood: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/clean-after-flood
- Flooding and your health https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/flooding-and-your-health

12/19/2025

Heading to a party, dinner, or get‑together this holiday season? If you plan to drink, make sure you have a safe way to get home. You can also choose to skip alcohol or swap in a non‑alcoholic option. Drinking less alcohol reduces several health risks, including certain types of cancer.

Visit https://knowalcohol.ca to assess your risk and see some of the benefits of drinking less.

12/19/2025

In BC, we are seeing an increase in influenza and RSV activity. Influenza test positivity is increasing in all age groups, with high levels among children. With the holidays around the corner and people getting together, everyone should take precautions:

• Get immunized against influenza and COVID-19, especially for people at higher risk of serious illness or hospitalization, such as children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions
• Stay home when you’re sick and avoid people who are at higher risk of more serious illness
• Regularly clean your hands
• Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and cannot stay away from others
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose
• Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others

Visit bccdc.ca/health-professionals/data-reports/respiratory-virus-data for the latest data on respiratory illnesses in BC, and more tips on how to stay safe this season.

Do you know how to respond to a drug poisoning event? Follow the SAVE ME steps:• Stimulate – can you wake them up? If no...
12/17/2025

Do you know how to respond to a drug poisoning event?

Follow the SAVE ME steps:
• Stimulate – can you wake them up? If not, call 9-1-1
• Airway – Are they breathing normally? If not, go to next step
• Ventilate – Give 1 breath every 5 seconds. Go to next step
• Evaluate – Can you wake them up now? Are they breathing normally? If not, go to next step
• Medicate – Give naloxone and continue breaths
• Evaluate & Support – Give more naloxone every 3 to 5 minutes until they are breathing normally

Remember to stay with them until help arrives. For more information go to https://towardtheheart.com/

12/16/2025

What's driving the increase in drug poisoning/overdose events? Medetomidine is a sedative that is not an opioid that is being mixed in with opioids like fentanyl. It can cause prolonged sedation, meaning it may make people feel very sleepy or go unconscious, and it increases the risk of drug poisoning.

If you are responding to a drug poisoning event, use the SAVE ME steps. Use naloxone and call 9-1-1.

12/03/2025

There are now 155 cases across six provinces: BC, AB, MB, ON, QC, NB.

Do not consume, use, serve or sell recalled pistachios and pistachio-containing products.

Consider alternatives to pistachios from Iran and products made with pistachios from Iran, due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Refer to the public health notice for more information.
https://ow.ly/Rjt950XAYKf

Address

655 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V5Z4R4

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4am
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+16047072400

Website

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