Interval between Covid vaccines reduced as B.C. program hits milestone

May 27, 2021 | 2:55 PM

British Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccination program reached a milestone today with over three-million doses going into arms.

That represents 62 per cent of residents 12 and older, and 65.8 per cent of residents 18 and over.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, announced people who got Moderna or Pfizer for their first shot will get an invite for the second one about eight weeks later — down from the earlier 16 weeks — due to sufficient vaccine deliveries.

The second doses will be handled just like the first: based on age and health needs. It means 400,000 residents over the age of 70, and those that are clinically vulnerable, will start receiving their invites for second doses today.

Henry said they will try to give everyone the same vaccine for the second dose, but if that’s not possible, she says it’s safe to have Moderna or Pfizer instead as both are RNA messenger vaccines.

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As for people who got AstraZeneca for the first shot, Henry urged them to “hold tight for a few more days.”

“This vaccine has a better response with a slightly longer interval between doses up to 12 weeks, so we’re looking at what that means for the people of B.C. and waiting for results of studies in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, with more information on the options by next week,” Henry said.

Henry said everyone should be able to have had two doses by “the end of the summer.”

“Second doses are very important as it ensures you have maximum protection for the maximum amount of time,” Henry explained.

The province reported 378 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.

That includes 64 in Interior Health, 98 in Vancouver Coastal Health, 189 in Fraser Health, nine in Island Health and 14 in Northern Health.

Seven more people have died from the virus, raising the death toll to 1,690. Henry said three of the victims were in their 70s, three were over 80 and one was in their 60s.

There are 3,543 active cases, with 286 people in hospital and 88 in critical or intensive care.

Henry also announced that as part of the restart plan, indoor faith services can resume today with up to 50 people, providing COVID safety plans are in place.

She also said overnight camps will be allowed this summer for children and youth with more details by next week.

Update on outbreaks:

· Spring Valley long-term care in Kelowna has 48 cases: 36 residents, 12 staff/other, with 10 deaths connected to the outbreak.

by Pete McIntyre

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