COVID-19 boosters to be available for highest risk residents

Mar 10, 2023 | 5:15 PM Liam Verster

British Columbians at highest risk of adverse effects from COVID-19 will be able to get another round of boosters.

Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, stated at a press event Friday, March 10, that the respiratory illness season is almost over, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact British Columbians.

Henry announced a new round of COVID-19 boosters to become available in the spring, though she did not provide a specific date for the rollout.

Unlike previous rounds, the province is encouraging select demographics get a booster this spring:

Adults aged 80 and above
Indigenous adults aged 70 and over
People aged 18 or older who are severely immunocompromised

Henry noted immunity through vaccines tend to decline after around 8 months and immunity through infection deteriorates soon. However, for the aforementioned individuals, their immunity declines at a faster rate than a younger or healthier person.

“As we enter spring and the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from COVID-19,” said Henry.

“This includes staying up to date on our immunizations, which are an essential tool in combating the spread of the virus.”

Additionally, Henry said data collected within the province shows high risk individuals aged 60 and over, and Indigenous people aged 50 and over, who have not yet had COVID-19 “can consider getting a booster dose this spring” as their immunity will be declining.

Henry added data shows the COVID-19 vaccinations do protect people from severe illness and hospitalizations as well as from long COVID, and encouraged all eligible British Columbians get immunized with a primary series and boosters.

“It is important to note that individuals who have not yet been vaccinated are at a higher risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases and of having more severe illness with COVID-19. We strongly encourage all individuals to receive their primary series of vaccinations as soon as possible and to consider receiving a bivalent booster if they have not already done so,” Henry said.

“Three years into the pandemic, we’re all familiar with the power of vaccines. We have one of the highest vaccination rates and lowest fatality rates in North America. Vaccines have also allowed us to get back to our daily lives, gather with friends and family and return to in-person work and school, all of which is essential to our health and well-being.”

Vaccinations and boosters are available throughout B.C. at pharmacies and clinics. People wishing to register or book an appointment for a shot can visit the province’s website or call 1-883-838-2323.