B.C. shortens booster wait for pregnant people to 8 weeks
Pregnant people in British Columbia are now eligible for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine just eight weeks after their second shot.
The province announced the shortened interval Thursday, confirming that pregnant people can receive their third dose a full four months ahead of the general population.
"While it is recommended people get their booster six months after their second dose to ensure longer-lasting protection, it is important for pregnant people to receive their booster during pregnancy to ensure optimal protection for them and their baby," the Ministry of Health said in a news release.
The province's booster dose information website indicates pregnant people must be adults to quality for the shorter interval, but that they can be at "any stage" of pregnancy.
Anyone who does not receive an invitation can contact the Get Vaccinated call centre at 1-833-838-2323, the province said.
"Self-identify as pregnant. We'll book you the next available appointment," the site reads.
The government's messaging initially indicated pregnant people would have to wait six months to receive a booster, despite facing a higher risk from COVID-19.
On Dec. 31, officials promised to prioritize people who are pregnant, though some women told CTV News they still struggled to book an appointment ahead of the six-month mark – even though their due date was approaching.
"I was told that I was going to have to wait until my six month eligibility, and that was the end of that," said Victoria resident Camille Ottenhof, who tried booking several times before eventually getting vaccinated at a walk-in clinic.
On Tuesday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry promised a more streamlined process was being developed to help pregnant people get their boosters early. Doing so before giving birth is beneficial because the antibodies can be transferred before the child is born, Henry said.
"That protects them in the first few months of life," she added.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Maria Weisgarber
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Postal workers begin nationwide strike: union
Thousands of postal workers have begun a nationwide strike, a statement Friday from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers says.
Taylor Swift in Toronto: Highlights from Night 1 of the 'Eras Tour'
'Toronto, Welcome to the Eras Tour!' Taylor Swift told a roaring sold-out crowd at the Rogers Centre on Thursday night as she began the Canadian leg of her record-breaking tour.
McDavid scores to reach 1,000 points, adds OT assist in Oilers' 3-2 win over Predators
Connor McDavid scored early in the second period to become the fourth-fastest NHL player to reach 1,000 points, then assisted on Darnell Nurse's overtime goal in the Edmonton Oilers' 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.
Trump chooses anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary
President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday he will nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, putting a man whose views public health officials have decried as dangerous in charge of a massive agency that oversees everything from drug, vaccine and food safety to medical research, Medicare and Medicaid.
Canada urged to cut government-funded research collaborations with China: report
A newly released report is urging Canada to immediately end all government-funded research collaborations with China in a variety of different areas.
Police foil attempted $13,000 cheese theft in North Vancouver
Police in North Vancouver say they prevented the theft of nearly $13,000 worth of cheese from a grocery store earlier this year. Now, they're asking the public for help finding the alleged thief.
Star Wars Hallmark Christmas ornament recalled over mould concerns
Hallmark Canada has recalled a Star Wars-themed Christmas ornament after mould was found on several of the products.
Winnipeg driver rescues passengers from burning van
A Winnipeg driver was in the right place at the right time when a paratransit van caught fire Thursday morning.
Centre Block renovation facing timeline and budget 'pressures'
The multi-billion-dollar renovation of parliament’s Centre Block building continues to be on time and on budget, but construction crews are facing 'pressures' when it comes to the deadline and total costs, according to the department in charge of the project.