Head of B.C. vaccine program reminding thousands who’ve received invitation to book booster shots

The executive lead of B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Program is reminding thousands of British Columbians who’ve already received their COVID-19 boosters invitations to make their appointment.

Dr. Penny Ballem says about 240,000 people who have received an invite since the booster program began in late October haven’t RSVP’d.

“I just really want to encourage you. You’ve had an invite, we’ve continued to send you reminders. Please book your vaccination.”

Ballem emphasizes that a booster provides enhanced immunity and protects you against severe illness related to the Omicron variant.

Since the start of Oct. 27, Ballem says about 1.146 million booster invitations have been sent out, and the province has administered 905,784 boosters as of Thursday.

Recently, as Omicron cases have spread across the province, the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions saw long lineups at COVID-19 testing sites and some people have said they can’t get an appointment in a timely manner. Ballem says she’s heard these concerns and advises they search a broader geographic area when booking online.

“Lots of people who may live out a little bit outside of their community, they click on 20-kilometre radius and the next thing they know they have many, many options available to them.”

Boosters are available at a clinics run by your health authority or local pharmacy and according to Ballem, there are 720 locations across the province providing vaccinations.

As the province shifts into the next phase of the booster campaign, Ballem says the province will be increasing capacity through February — a part of that plan is to open more clinics soon.

This week, the total number of pharmacies administering boosters will go up to 514, and in January, B.C. will be bringing the total number of pharmacies up to 1,100, Ballem says.

“There are accessible appointments even this week,” she says.

“As of yesterday, we had another 8,400 slots available for you to get your vaccination before the New Year rings in on Saturday.”

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Ballem says she recognizes the commitment from British Columbians to get through the pandemic, ” in spite of floods, fires, snowstorms, very cold weather, transportation issues.”

As of Thursday, 82.9 per cent of eligible people five and older have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 19.1 percent of those 12 and older have received a third dose.

On Friday, B.C. announced it has reduced the requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.  Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the decision was made because the Omicron variant appears to have a shorter incubation period, which means people are infectious earlier and that the illness tends to resolve more quickly.