The rollout of the bivalent vaccine that fights infection with the original strain of COVID-19 and Omicron variants is now underway across most of BC, and is being pushed forward because every five years or more get their fall boosters, despite some vaccine fatigue.
At Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and Island Health mass clinics, every fall booster given to those over 18 is now the bivalent or combination vaccine.
Moderna’s Spikevax booster, which arrived in Canada earlier this month, targets two strains of COVID-19, unlike the regular vaccine that is still being given to most children for their boosters .
The province is sending priority invitations to those most at risk of developing severe symptoms and healthcare workers.
Shawn Leatham received his booster at a clinic in Victoria on Tuesday. He works in a hospital and said the decision was a no-brainer, explaining that he wanted to “help everyone else and keep myself healthy and safe as well.”
Marg Crowley also pushed herself to the same clinic. She said she was happy to receive the bivalent vaccine.
“I stand by it. I think the more people that are vaccinated, the better off we’re going to be, the sooner we can go out and get on with life,” he told CTV News.
Officials know many people with three shots and a recent infection may think they don’t need another shot, but they’re asking everyone five years and older to consider a fall booster.
Monica Stevenson, a public health clinical coordinator who oversees several mass immunization sites, said she understood vaccine fatigue, adding that the reduction in COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations was evidence that vaccines work.
“I know it’s hard for the public to wrap their heads around, once again, another vaccine. But look at the facts. Look at the numbers. We have a vaccine that works and we’re trying to move this virus forward earlier. Move us forward again,” he said. told reporters outside the Quadra Street clinic.
After infection, experts recommend that you wait at least three months before receiving a fourth dose of vaccine.
most children will receive a regular or childhood vaccine. Pharmacies also have doses.
On Vancouver Island, staffing challenges mean clinics are not operating at full capacity. Stevenson said that while the levels varied by facility, the appointments are filling up fairly quickly.
Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health did not respond to CTV by deadline.
Pharmacies also have doses.
In a few weeks, British Columbians will be able to get a flu shot and booster at the same time, and officials say it’s safe to do so, with no additional side effects.
Whether this is the new normal or whether a new COVID-19 vaccine will be recommended every six months or so, doctors said it’s too early to tell.