B.C. expecting to have all eligible residents boosted by end of March
Health officials in B.C. are planning to get booster doses in the arms of all residents over the age of 18 by the end of March, as the province deals with a surge in COVID-19 cases.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Health Minister Adrian Dix said the province has been successful in ramping up the rollout of its booster campaign, meaning that all eligible residents are expected to receive their dose by March 31, a month earlier than expected.
Dix credited this to the fact that health authorities now operating at 35 per cent more capacity than previously announced at the end of October.
Several additional clinics have now been secured across the province to administer booster doses, including the Vancouver Convention Centre, which will serve the Lower Mainland.
The province said there is potential for 130,000 shots to be administered during the month of January at that location.
With more clinic expansion continuing to happen throughout the health authorities, vaccination capacity is expected to increase by 62 per cent starting in January, while pharmacy capacity is also expected to increase next month.
“The increase in capacity will allow an accelerated booster program and ensure wait time remain reasonable,” Dix said during the news conference.
B.C. is continuing its booster dose rollout with a risk-based approach, giving priority to those most at-risk of severe illness and death.
Those groups include those over 65, health-care workers, and those who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Earlier this month, residents over age 65 started receiving invitations to book booster appointments.
“This age-based rollout will continue at an accelerated pace with invites sent out when appointments can be guaranteed,” Dix said.
As of Sunday, 67 per cent of those over age 70 received their booster dose, while more than 50 per cent of those over age 65 had received theirs.
The province said Tuesday all those over age 50 should receive invitations to book their booster dose by the end of January or earlier.
As of Sunday, health officials said 727,761 booster doses had been administered to those who are eligible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.