B.C. spring booster program set to start in April
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Mar 10 '23, 14:28
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By Darrian Matassa-Fung & Richard Zussman Global News
Posted March 10, 2023 11:26 am
Updated March 10, 2023 2:16 pm
British Columbians over the age of 60 who have not tested positive for COVID-19 are being encouraged to get another booster shot.
In a slight deviation from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is suggesting those with no natural immunity get the boost.
The booster shot program, starting in April, will also include those 80 years of age and old, those in the province’s clinically extremely vulnerable category and those living in long-term care.
“This spring program is in response to what we are seeing right now with a relatively high level of circulation,” Henry said.
“As we go in to the fall we will be in a similar situation.”
The booster program will not include the general population, including those who work in health-care settings.
Henry says the wastewater data and other information shows additional boosters do not make a huge difference for those with natural immunity and under the age of 80.
“For everyone else not in the category, our data shows that having had a primary series and a booster continues to provide protection,” Henry said.
“We know giving an additional boosters doesn’t add a whole lot of protection. When we look at our data there is a little bit of a step up for those in their 60s.”
The B.C. government also announced on Friday as of April 3, BC Public Service employees will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
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