As described by the provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry earlier this month, the new combination vaccine — containing a mix of spike protein elements from both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron variant, BA.1 — will be offered to adults 18 and older, and young 12- to 17-year-olds who are at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. The Department of Health notes that, as with previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, invitations will be sent based on the risk and age of individuals, as long as six months have passed since their previous dose. Priority groups will continue to include people over 60, Indigenous people of all ages, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and people, such as eligible healthcare workers, who work with high-risk and vulnerable people. Vancouver Coastal Health said Tuesday that those newly infected with COVID-19 are advised to receive their booster dose three to six months after infection. People between the ages of five and 17 who do not have underlying conditions are offered an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna. Booster doses are not currently recommended for children aged between six months and five years. At its peak, BC’s fall booster program is expected to reach 280,000 people a week, with pharmacies and public health clinics distributing the majority of vaccines. Henry advised that anyone already eligible for a COVID-19 booster should get it as soon as it is offered and not wait until the flu vaccine is available. To receive an invitation to get a booster or flu shot, you must register with Get Vaccinated BC, available online or through the provincial call center at 1-833-838-2323.
