B.C. not changing booster priority despite new NACI recommendations

NACI’s recommendations for Canadians doesn’t change much for people in B.C., according to the health minister.

On Friday, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization said it strongly recommends boosters for everyone after six months, and to prioritize people over 50.

Adrian Dix says the province’s plan laid out in October already accounts for these new recommendations as the province will be offering boosters to everyone older than 18.

However, B.C. is currently inviting people over 70 years old to get their booster within a timeline of six and eight months.

Meaning some may not be invited to book for two months after the NACI recommended timeline.

BREAKING: NACI has released new recommendations for COVID booster shots. It is now strongly recommending boosters for Canadians 50 years of age and older and says boosters may also be offered to anyone 18-49 years if booster is given 6 months after 2nd shot #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) December 3, 2021

Many took to Twitter to express their concern as they are within the 50 plus age cohort and it has been more than six months since they were immunized.

Most Teachers in Surrey already past 6 months point, even those in 50’s and 60’s. Hope this doesn’t start impacting schools! #bced

— Lynn (@Lynn77047982) December 3, 2021

Dix says some people may be incorrectly counting the six months from their first dose instead of their second.

“The facts are six months ago 209,000 people received their second dose, the facts are 470,000 got their booster dose, and we are factually ahead of schedule,” he said.

The province has been inviting those who are clinically vulnerable such as seniors and those with medical conditions to get their booster, as well as Indigenous people.

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When it comes to NACI’s advice to immunize all long-term care residents, Dix says the province has already done that as those in long-term care and assisted living have received their booster.

He says 46 per cent of people over 70 have received their booster and they are working to administer more to that age group.

The province says we will see a big uptake in booster doses in January and February when more people will be reaching the recommended timeline to receive them. At that time, they will be invited to book.

More pharmacists will also be giving out doses which will in turn speed things up for those over 50. But he is not clear or confirming that if you are 50 or older you will get your shot by six months from your second.

“We are going to continue to push ahead by increasing the capacity of our system and how are we doing that? By adding hundreds and then over a 1,000 community pharmacies,” he said.