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
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.’s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease’s progression.
Canucks' Soucy suspended 1 game, Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosschecks on McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been suspended for a game and another was handed a hefty fine after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
'Ready to go': Fort McMurray residents prepared for evacuation as crews battle nearby wildfire
An evacuation alert remains in place in the Fort McMurray area on Monday afternoon.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.