COVID-19 spring booster vaccines now available throughout BC

BC residents now have access to spring COVID-19 vaccine boosters to protect themselves from the virus.

Free spring COVID-19 vaccine boosters were made available throughout the province today, April 8, in pharmacies, regional health authority clinics, primary care offices and community health centres, according to a Ministry of Health news release.

The peak of respiratory illness season has passed, but protection from the virus obtained by COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time, so a booster is encouraged to ensure protection from the virus is maintained.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that at-risk people consider receiving a booster dose. This includes adults over the age of 65, Indigenous adults over the age of 55, residents of long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities, and individuals six months and older who have been diagnosed as clinically extremely vulnerable.

The spring vaccine campaign will target those who are more at risk of getting severe complications from the virus and those who have not yet received an updated dose, but anyone wishing to receive the vaccine can do so.

As rates of viral respiratory infections throughout the province have decreased, prevention and control measures implemented in the fall of 2023 are no longer required, the ministry said. While wearing a mask is no longer mandatory in health-care settings, people are still encouraged to do so.

Health-care workers will continue to wear appropriate personal protective gear such as masks and respirators.

To book an appointment to receive the vaccine call 1-833-838-2323 or walk into a pharmacy where the vaccination is available.

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