Close X
Thursday, November 7, 2024
ADVT 
National

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

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Mar, 2021 12:25 AM
  • AstraZeneca shots offered to ages 55-65 in B.C

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.

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.

MORE National ARTICLES

TSB team examines English Bay lifeboat incident

TSB team examines English Bay lifeboat incident
A coast guard statement issued Tuesday said the two crew members were hurt as they carried out a routine drill in the covered lifeboat.

TSB team examines English Bay lifeboat incident

Pandemic harming high-needs kids: B.C. watchdog

Pandemic harming high-needs kids: B.C. watchdog
The report's findings are based in part on a survey of 545 families conducted by the representative's office last month, as well as interviews with families about their experiences during the pandemic.

Pandemic harming high-needs kids: B.C. watchdog

Police probe death of woman in Surrey, B.C

Police probe death of woman in Surrey, B.C
Police say officers responded to what they were told was a single-vehicle crash in an alleyway on Thursday morning.

Police probe death of woman in Surrey, B.C

Can shortening quarantine to 7-10 days be helpful?

Can shortening quarantine to 7-10 days be helpful?
Health Canada was still recommending a 14-day quarantine period as of Wednesday, but Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease specialist at McMaster University, says cutting that time in half would be beneficial.

Can shortening quarantine to 7-10 days be helpful?

Punjabi residents make their way via a car ralley from Surrey to Vancouver Consulate in support of farmers in India

Punjabi residents make their way via a car ralley from Surrey to Vancouver Consulate in support of farmers in India
The car rally kicked off at noon in front of Cineplex in the parking lot of Strawberry Hill Plaza with a police presence, media, hundreds of people with signs saying I support Farmers, and a ton of cars with orange flags. Darpan Magazine's social media host Ish Sharma spoke to people as to why they want to be part of this rally and what the issue means to them.

Punjabi residents make their way via a car ralley from Surrey to Vancouver Consulate in support of farmers in India

B.C. records 834 cases, 12 deaths due to COVID-19

B.C. records 834 cases, 12 deaths due to COVID-19
Henry is also urging people to avoid travelling for non-essential purposes, noting an adult hockey team from the Interior went to Alberta and spread COVID-19 in the community when they returned.

B.C. records 834 cases, 12 deaths due to COVID-19