Flood of Pfizer set to provide B.C. with COVID-19 vaccine boost
Posted April 30, 2021 6:56 am.
Last Updated April 30, 2021 8:16 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C.’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been bumpy for a variety of reasons, but it looks as if we’re finally set to turn the corner, with weekly deliveries of the Pfizer vaccine set to double in the coming weeks.
Between procurement issues at the federal level, unreliable deliveries from the likes of Moderna, and delays related to changing guidance for AstraZeneca, things haven’t been smooth. However, with 274,950 Pfizer shots set to arrive in B.C. each week in May, the protection party looks set to really kick off.
“That means that our age-based program will be accelerated and everybody will get their turn,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said at a news conference Thursday. “This is what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks.”
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The province now expects every adult to get the first jab by mid-June if they wish.
It won’t happen automatically, however, and Health Minister Adrian Dix urges everyone to begin the process.
“The system is to register, either on the phone or online,” says Dix, pointing out every adult is now able to do that. “And then as soon as you are eligible to book, you will be contacted and be able to book your appointment.”
Adding to the optimism, the first doses of the one-and-done Johnson and Johnson shot will begin arriving in B.C. next week.
The increased shipments of Pfizer couldn’t come at a better time, with Moderna experiencing a number of disruptions and no clear timeline for when we’ll get a new batch of AstraZeneca.
