Posted on: October 27, 2021
On October 26th, PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry announced booster doses are coming, and will be rolled out in a similar priority order as first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine were.
During the last few months of 2021, invitations to book booster doses will be sent to health-care workers who were immunized early and with shorter intervals between doses (e.g. ICUs, EDs and COVID units) – as well as people over age 70, and Indigenous people aged 12 and up. Starting in January, people in BC who had their second dose at least 6 months ago will get an invitation to book a booster dose.
“Our vaccines are highly effective, but we are starting to see a gradual decline in protection over time. As a result, we are taking the proactive step of expanding boosters to everyone in our province," said Dr. Henry. “We're starting with the people who need them the most to keep people in B.C. safe from this virus and its variants."
Learn more about the booster dose plan.
KEY POINTS TO NOTE:
- You MUST be registered with Immunization BC to get an invitation. If you were vaccinated early, you may not be in the provincial database. Please go to www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca to ensure you are registered. Once registered, an invite to get a booster will be shared with you at the appropriate time.
- There will be no drop-ins for booster doses - appointments only.
- Boosters will be Pfizer and Moderna, but what you receive may not be the same as your dose 1 and 2.
- Two doses is considered fully immunized for those working with vaccine mandates (e.g. health-care) and for vaccine passports.
- There will be a combination of Island Health clinics, whole community clinics, and pharmacies providing booster doses. More information will be provided once determined.
