The new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is now being offered to eligible people as part of British Columbia’s fall booster program.
As provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry described earlier this month, the new combination vaccine, which contains a mix of protein spikes from both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the variant of Omicron, BA.1, will be offered to adults. 18 years and older, and youth ages 12 to 17 who are at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health notes that, as with previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, invitations will be sent based on the risk and age of individuals, as long as six months have passed since the previous dose.
Priority groups will continue to include people over 60, Indigenous peoples of all ages, clinically extremely vulnerable people and people, such as eligible health workers, who work with high-risk and vulnerable people.
Vancouver Coastal Health said Tuesday that those who have recently contracted COVID-19 are recommended to receive their booster dose three to six months after infection.
Those ages five to 17 who have no underlying health conditions are offered an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna. No booster doses are currently recommended for children between six months and five years of age.
At its peak, BC’s fall booster program is expected to reach 280,000 people per week, with pharmacies and public health clinics distributing the majority of vaccines.
Henry advised that anyone already eligible for a COVID-19 booster should get it as soon as it’s offered and not wait until the flu shot is available.
To receive an invitation to receive a booster or flu shot, you must be registered with Get Vaccinated BC, available online or through the provincial call center at 1-833-838-2323.