B.C. vaccine card: 3rd doses won't be required to access non-essential businesses, even as booster rollout ramps up
As B.C. announced its plan to roll out third COVID-19 vaccine doses to the general public, officials say the extra shots won't lead to changes to mandates like the provincial proof-of-immunization card.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Penny Ballem held a joint news conference Tuesday announcing the plan to offer a booster dose to all British Columbians by the end of May.
But even though more shots will be offered, it doesn't mean they'll be required in B.C.
Officials said Tuesday there wasn't enough data yet to say whether a third dose will be "necessary" for the general population. However, the third dose is strongly recommended for people that are more at-risk, whether it's because of their age, health, line of work or where they live.
As a result, officials said third doses won't be added to B.C.'s vaccine-card requirements or mandates for health-care workers.
"Most of us have good, strong protection and we don't need a booster dose right now, but come next spring, it is something that we should consider for longer-term protection," Henry said.
As of Sunday, proof of two doses is required to access many non-essential businesses and events in B.C. Patrons going to restaurants, theatres, gyms, casinos, sporting events and other discretionary activities must show they've had their COVID-19 shots.
Proof that a person has had one or both doses of COVID-19 vaccine is not required at businesses deemed essential, such as on transit or at grocery stores. A card also doesn't need to be shown when stopping at a restaurant just to pick up a takeout order.
B.C.'s card system will be in place until at least Jan. 31, and health officials have already warned it may be extended, depending on the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
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.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
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.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.