B.C. pharmacies begin administering 2nd vaccine doses to AstraZeneca recipients
When 100 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine arrived at the Pharmasave in West Vancouver’s Caulfield neighbourhood over the weekend, owner Alan Williamson sent emails to 100 patients, asking if there were interested in getting their second dose.
As B.C.'s immunization program moves forward, pharmacies are now offering a second dose of AstraZeneca, a vaccine that has caused some hesitancy due to a rare side effect that causes blood clots.
“So far, we have about 64 that have booked. So we are looking at about 64 per cent right now gonna get their second dose of AstraZeneca,” said Williamson who stressed some patients may not have checked their email yet, and could still call to book an appointment.
If he doesn’t get more bookings, Williamson will soon begin emailing the remaining 200 patients who got their first dose at his pharmacy.
“If we aren’t getting enough traction for the doses of AstraZeneca, we will tell the health authority that we don’t need any more, and they should be going somewhere that does need them.”
Deputy provincial health officer Dr. Reka Gustafson acknowledges some first dose AstraZeneca recipients may opt for Pfizer or Moderna for dose two, but she doesn’t want a single dose of AstraZeneca vaccine to go to waste.
“At the moment it’s our understating and the indication is there is good demand and desire for second dose AstraZeneca vaccine. At this same time, our vaccine management programs in B.C. are watching those things very, very carefully,” she said.
At Bonsor Pharmacy in Burnaby, owner Azmina Jiwa said every patient that’s been called about a second dose has booked an appointment. One of them, Kelli Fox, snapped a selfie as she got her booster vaccine at the pharmacy.
“I’m super excited about it,” she said. “AstraZeneca was fine for me the first time, I trust that it will be fine for me again.”
David Brock also went for his second AstraZeneca shot on Monday at Bonsor.
“I am happy with the choice, especially since the pharmacist has just explained some of the benefits of it. I talked to my doctor a couple weeks ago, and she said ‘take the first one that’s offered to you.’ It’s all good options, so this is the first one,” Brock said.
Patients who are now fully vaccinated are leaving the pharmacy relaxed and relieved.
“Some people have even brought us treats," Jiwa said, adding “They are very appreciative.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.