800,000 COVID booster invites going out in next couple of weeks in B.C.

Now that Omicron is spreading so fast, and high risk people in B.C. have received their COVID booster shots, the provincial government is speeding up its booster program for the rest of the population.

So far, more than 900,000 boosters have been administered to seniors, health-care workers, immune compromised individuals and other targeted groups.

The original booster plan, launched on Oct. 27, was to have younger, less at risk people get their boosters eight months after their second dose. That interval has now been shortened to six months.

“We know that after six months, the evidence is becoming clear, our immunity does wane,” Dr. Penny Ballem, who heads the province vaccination program, said at a news briefing today, Dec. 31. “The next phase of our campaign is going to adjust a bit and be focused on trying to get the rest of our population vaccinated as close as possible to six months intervals.”

There are currently more than 800,000 people aged from 18 to 59 in that category so they will be getting invitations to book vaccine appointments over the next two weeks.

READ MORE: New COVID restrictions for B.C. long-term care homes; easing of self-isolation rules

Early vaccination programs focussed on vaccinating by age groups but this new version will be centred on vaccination dates. That’s because many younger people were prioritized for first vaccines in May, June and July. That included front line workers, teachers, and workers in large plants where there were COVID outbreaks and more.

The province’s capacity to vaccinate more people each day will be increased through more clinics, and larger clinics, and by bringing more pharmacies into the immunization program.

As of today, there are 514 eligible pharmacies. Another 254 are being added this week and the number will grow to 1,100 in January, Dr. Ballem said.

While there is great interest in getting booster shots, as of yesterday there were more than 8,000 unbooked appointments available, and 240,000 people who had received invitations to book have not done so.

Once people receive their invitation they can book appointments online at Get Vaccinated B.C., regardless of whether they want to go to pharmacy or a clinic.

The target is to have enough vaccination capacity so everyone can get their shots within two weeks of booking.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to more severe illness so they are now eligible for a booster shot six months after their second dose, regardless of their age. They must book an appointment by calling 1-833-838-2323.

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