As of Monday, adults who had been at least six months since their last dose were eligible for their fourth dose. The Department of Health tells CTV News that day 1,356 people received their second booster, compared to 468 the previous Monday. A total of 32,477 second booster doses were administered last week in BC, which lags behind most of Canada in fourth-dose uptake due to limited access. The province had come under increasing pressure to expand access beyond those aged 70 and older or with defined, serious health conditions after Quebec allowed all adults to receive their second souvenir and a growing number of British Columbians led to the Washington state to reinforce there. When she announced the policy change Friday, the head of BC’s COVID-19 vaccination program repeatedly stressed that she would prefer people get the fourth dose of the vaccine starting in September, when the respiratory illness season begins to ramp up, but she acknowledged that some people may want the added protection now that BC is battling a new wave of infections and hospitalizations driven by a subvariant of Omicron.
PROBLEM PREDICTIONS FROM THE MODEL TEAM
Academics and independent scientists analyzing pandemic trends for the BC COVID-19 Modeling Team warn that – while fluctuations in population infections and vaccinations, as well as limited data, make detailed forecasting difficult – the current wave will it’s ugly. “(Omicron subvariant) BA.5 is ramping up and ramping up quite quickly, so we expect to see this next wave of BA.5 really take off by July, peaking sometime in August,” said team member and UBC biomathematics professor Sarah Otto. . “It tends to be a little less severe and it tends to be an upper respiratory infection, but there are so many people infected with these Omicron strains that it can add a lot to hospitalizations and deaths.” He urges anyone who has health problems or spends time with those most at risk to consider getting their second booster now, noting that antibodies from previous vaccinations and infections have mostly faded within six months.
ONTARIO FOLLOWS B.C
Ontario made a similar announcement to BC’s extension offer on Wednesday, opening up availability to second boosters, but with the same advice to wait until the fall, particularly for those who are young, healthy and have already had their first booster. Despite the confusion and conflicting information relayed by BC public health services via text and social media messages, Dr. Penny Ballem was clear that for those who want a souvenir before the fall, “you can call the call center now and they will arrange to have a souvenir now.” Information on how to book a COVID-19 booster shot is available online through the Immunize BC website or through the helpline at 1-833-838-2323. Health professionals and experts of all stripes stress that the third dose, or first booster, is especially important and have urged officials to update the definition of “fully vaccinated” as a result. Are you an adult six months after your last vaccination and refused the booster? We want to hear from you.
