B.C. rapid tests now available to those 60+
Posted March 7, 2022 7:56 am.
Last Updated March 7, 2022 7:58 am.
More people are now able to access rapid antigen tests in B.C. pharmacies.
As of Monday, the province has expanded the age eligibility to people 60 and up. This comes after the rollout started with those 70 and up on Feb. 25, with eligibility expected to open up further as supply increased.
The Ministry of Health has shipped close to four million tests to pharmacy distributors as of March 3.
The kits are part of shipments from the federal government, distributed to the provinces and territories over the past several weeks. The bulk of rapid tests shipped to B.C. were allocated to schools.
Related article: Rapid test rollout in B.C. picking up the pace
Many have criticized B.C.’s distribution of rapid tests. The province has taken a different approach to distributing RATs than other jurisdictions in Canada, like Quebec and Alberta, which made them available in the community to people regardless of age last year.
A list of the more than 1,000 B.C. pharmacies where tests are available can be found online. However, some companies have advised people call locations ahead of time to check supply.
People who are eligible to pick up a kit, which contains five tests each, will need to have a valid BC Services Card and personal health number.
Those who want to pick up a kit for a family member or other person can do so, provided they provide a name, date of birth, and the person’s BC Services Card.
There is a limit of one kit every 28 days. People are being urged to pick up the kits when they are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
