Optional boosters the next stage for B.C.’s Immunization Plan

The next stage of British Columbia’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan involves opening up booster shots for those in high risk positions, and then the general population.

Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Tuesday that boosters have already been made available to the most at-risk British Columbians, and that plans are now in the works to get third doses into the arms of others that want one in the coming months.

The plan would see clinically extremely vulnerable and immunosuppressed individuals; seniors aged 70 and over; all eligible Indigenous people; people in long-term care and independent living; and health care workers who had short intervals between their first two doses prioritized for boosters. These shot have already been made available for those first two groups, and will be made to the remaining individuals in that list before the end of December.

Henry notes that the people in these categories have increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization, even if double dosed.

Starting in mid-January, the province plans to roll out third jabs for the remaining British Columbians, though these shots will also be made available based on certain priorities. Shots will first be offered to the clinically extremely vulnerable though not considered immunosuppressed; then health care workers in acute care, long-term care and assisted living facilities; then health care workers in the community; and finally all remaining eligible British Columbians. It’s expected that all British Columbians who wish to get a booster will be able to have one booked by the end of May 2022.

Henry noted that research from around the world shows that vaccines are most effective when administered six to eight months from the previous dose, and British Columbians wanting a booster will be prioritized based on the time between their shots.

The boosters will be optional, and will not have any impact on the proof of vaccination program, though Henry does encourage people, especially those in the in the high risk categories, to get the third jab.

British Columbians will receive invitations to get their third jabs through the province’s vaccine registration system when they qualify for the booster. People must schedule their boosters in advance, and drop-ins for the third doses will not be allowed.

Pfizer or Moderna will be used for the boosters, and British Columbians who have received AstraZeneca previously will be offered an mRNA vaccine for their booster.

People who haven’t received their first or second doses are encouraged to book appointments for their jabs as well.

Henry also noted that vaccinations are part of a broader protection plan that includes staying home when sick, frequent hand washing, social distancing, and following guidelines including masking. She asks that people keep following these measures to help reduce transmission in their communities.