The British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Health announced on October 22nd that vaccinations for this season have begun. BC residents aged 6 months or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Chief Medical Officer, said, “In British Columbia, we are experiencing an increase in viral respiratory diseases such as influenza and COVID-19 at this time of year, so it is necessary to take measures to stay healthy,” and encouraged people to continue to follow the recommendations they have made so far, such as disinfecting their hands, wearing masks when necessary, and getting vaccinated.
Vaccinations for seniors over 65 years old, residents of long-term care facilities, people at high risk such as those with chronic diseases, and medical workers have already begun on October 8th. Vaccinations are available at more than 1,300 pharmacies and clinics across the state.
Those who have already been vaccinated will receive notifications of vaccination in sequence via text or email.
According to the BC Ministry of Health, pharmacies set a record for the number of vaccinations administered in a single day on the 15th of this month: 45,831 for influenza and 24,908 for COVID-19.