National

AstraZeneca shots offered to ages 55-65 in B.C

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Mar, 2021 12:25 AM

British Columbia is bumping up its age-based vaccination plan by offering Oxford-AstraZeneca shots to Lower Mainland residents between the ages of 55 and 65.

The move comes a day after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a pause on use of the same vaccine for anyone under 55 on the advice of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization amid concerns about rare blood clots.

Henry says in a news release that officials know from the millions of doses used worldwide that the vaccine is highly effective and the benefits to those over age 55 far outweigh the very real risks of getting COVID-19.

Beginning Wednesday, those between the ages of 55 and 65 can call their local pharmacy and book an appointment to receive their vaccine.

Drop-in service may also be an option at more than 150 participating pharmacies and people must bring their personal health number with them.

The news comes amid a COVID-19 surge, with 840 new daily cases Tuesday but no new deaths.

Multiple factors led to new public health officer orders and restrictions for the next 3 weeks. Remember: COVID-19 is still a risk for everyone in BC. Stay safe, stay local and stay outdoors with the same group of people. Learn more: https://t.co/m3xLAy5Jqi #COVIDbc pic.twitter.com/bYgKR55Odt
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) March 30, 2021

The vaccine is being offered through a partnership between Immunize BC and community pharmacists.

"I encourage everyone in the Lower Mainland who is between 55 and 65 years of age to receive their safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine today," Henry says.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Facts About The Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Ottawa announced Wednesday the Canada Emergency Response Benefit intended to quickly get cash to workers who need it and support their employers. Here's a look at how the program is going to work.

Facts About The Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Protective Equipment Supply 'Wicked Problem,' Says B.C. Health Officer

VICTORIA - British Columbia has cleared hospital space for almost 4,000 possible COVID-19 patients, but potential shortages of personal protective equipment for health workers has become "our wicked problem," provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Wednesday.

Protective Equipment Supply 'Wicked Problem,' Says B.C. Health Officer

Pandemic Response Must Uphold Human Rights, Avoid Discrimination: B.C. Commissioner

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's human rights commissioner is urging policy-makers, employers, landlords and service providers to keep human rights principles at the core of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Response Must Uphold Human Rights, Avoid Discrimination: B.C. Commissioner

B.C. Offers $500 Monthly Rental Rebate, Moratorium On Evictions, Rent Freeze

VICTORIA - The British Columbia government will offer financial relief to renters and landlords to ensure people have safe homes during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Premier John Horgan said Wednesday.

B.C. Offers $500 Monthly Rental Rebate, Moratorium On Evictions, Rent Freeze

With A Crash And A Bang, B.C. Residents Applaud Health-Care Workers

At the same time each night, Rev. Gary Paterson and about half a dozen other neighbours have begun gathering at least two metres apart on the rooftop patio of their building in Vancouver's west end.

With A Crash And A Bang, B.C. Residents Applaud Health-Care Workers

BC Takes Unprecedented Steps To Support COVID-19 Response - SEE All The Highlights

The B.C. government stepped up its efforts under the Emergency Program Act on Thursday to ensure, among other things, that goods and services are getting to those who need them. Here's a look at what is happening: