B.C. opening COVID-19 booster shots to general population

British Columbia is leading the way in rolling out third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine — becoming the first jurisdiction in North America to announce all residents, not just those with serious health conditions, will be eligible for a booster by next spring.

The general B.C. population over 12 years of age will be eligible to receive their booster six to eight months after receiving their second dose, the province announced Tuesday.

The province will start distributing boosters through a phased approach, which has already started this month and is expected to run until May. Priority will be based on the interval since someone received their second jab, their risk for contracting the virus, and their age.

According to the province, higher-risk populations are “fully vaccinated populations experiencing breakthrough infections, which cause significant rates of hospitalization and poor outcomes. Largest high-risk populations are the 70+ and Indigenous Peoples.”

The broader population can expect to start receiving invitations in mid-January.

RELATED: COVID-19 booster shots in Ontario: Who is eligible for a third dose and how to get it?

“Most of us have good strong protection, and we don’t need a booster dose rate now. But come next spring it is something that we should consider for longer-term protection,” Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry explained, adding these shots are for people who would like a booster.

“I absolutely recommended for people who are over age 70 in the community, for people in long term care and assisted living, for Indigenous people who we know are differentially affected and for a variety of reasons … and for healthcare workers who were immunized early on.”

Younger age demographics will get an update on COVID-19 related recommendations as we enter the new year.

The process of getting kids aged five and up vaccinated is underway in B.C., and parents can pre-register their kids online on the B.C. government’s website. Parents will be notified of eligibility to book an appointment once the vaccines are approved for use by Health Canada.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said she hopes to offer COVID vaccines for kids five to 11 by November.

A new precedent?

The move in B.C. could potentially set a precedent for the rest of the country, including in Ontario where a small percentage of the population are currently eligible for a third dose.

Currently in Canada, the eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots varies province to province.

So far in Ontario there are three categories for eligibility — seniors living in congregate settings, individuals moderately to severely immunocompromised and those on specific medications.

The province recommends that the third shot should be taken at least five months after the second for seniors and two months after the second for other eligible groups.

Booster shots in Ontario are available through family physicians, local pharmacies or mass immunization clinics. For seniors in congregate settings, they can receive a booster shot at their long-term care or seniors’ residence.