B.C. health officials urge vaccination ahead of the holidays
Health officials in B.C. are again appealing to people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza before they gather with friends and family over the holidays.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry held a news conference Monday to provide an update on respiratory illness season.
While COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped since the immunization campaign began two months ago, cases of the flu and RSV are on the rise.
"We encourage those who have not received it yet to book their immunization appointment now. It’s easy, convenient and free to get immunized in B.C.," Dix said in a news release.
"We can all do our part to support each other and the health-care workers who are working hard to keep our communities healthy and safe during the holiday season.”
So far, 1,443,752 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered and 1,289,849 people have had an updated COVID-19 shot.
British Columbia, according to Dix, leads the country in vaccination rates. However, only about a third of the 4.4 million people who have been invited to book an appointment have actually received their shot.
Dix and Henry emphasized that ample appointment slots are available and that the province has enough supply to meet demand – even if it ramps up significantly.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Dix and Henry urged people to take other precautionary measures over the holiday season to protect those who are most vulnerable to serious illness – including infants, the elderly and people who are immune-compromised.
“This means staying home if you’re sick, frequently cleaning your hands, and following proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering your coughs and wearing a mask when appropriate,” Henry said in a news release.
"This is critically important if you’re gathering with friends and loved ones who may be at risk of more severe illness."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.