By Canadian Press

B.C. ahead of schedule on COVID-19 booster campaign: health minister

Dec 3, 2021 | 3:26 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s health minister says the province is “ahead of the curve” on recommendations by a national advisory group that Canadians ages 50 and older get a COVID-19 booster.

Adrian Dix says his ministry announced weeks ago that it would start its booster program and already 470,000 people have had a third shot.

The recommendation from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization gives provinces and territories the go-ahead to expand the limited booster shot campaign.

Dix says B.C. ramped up plans to accommodate a surge for third doses after many residents received second shots in July and August, putting the six-month time frame for a booster in January and February.

He says those living and working in all long-term care and seniors’ facilities have had a booster and almost half of those 70 and over have received a third shot.

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Dix says most of those who have had their third shot have done so within the six-month time limit suggested by the national committee.

“I’m very pleased with how it’s going, practically speaking. The fact that Ontario and Alberta have announced more recently what their plans are, and we put our plan in place some time ago, is great. I think their plans align with what we are doing as well.”

Dix says the value of the third shot is evident by the declining number of outbreaks in seniors’ facilities, which went to two on Friday from 23 on Nov. 1.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2021.

The Canadian Press