COVID-19 booster shots now available

British Columbians are being urged to take advantage of free COVID-19 booster shots, just as the winter respiratory illness season dies down.

COVID -19 vaccine booster shots are now available at clinics across B.C. to help maintain and extend protection for those already vaccinated against the disease.

The booster shots will be offered at most pharmacies, health-authority clinics, some primary care clinics and community health centres. The booster is free for everyone six months and older.

Health officials are reminding the public that while respiratory illness season is coming to an end, the SARS CoV-2 virus is still circulating.

PROTECTION DECREASES

“The protection from infection that COVID-19 vaccines provide decreases over time, particularly in older people, so a spring COVID -19 vaccine booster will ensure people stay protected,” reads a notice shared by the province's Health Ministry. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, the following people are encouraged to get an additional dose of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine: adults age 65 and up, Indigenous adults age 55 and up, adults living in long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities, and anyone six months and older who is clinically extremely vulnerable.

The latest round of COVID shots being offered is geared toward those who are most at risk of serious illness or complications, and those who've not yet received an updated booster.

Invitations to book boosters through the B.C. Health Ministry are being emailed out to British Columbians this week.