Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 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

Vancouver mayor to pursue handgun ban

Vancouver mayor to pursue handgun ban
The proposed legislation would allow municipalities to ban the weapons through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation.

Vancouver mayor to pursue handgun ban

Vaccine influx to test provinces' COVID promises

Vaccine influx to test provinces' COVID promises
Regional outbreaks, emerging variants and a gradual reopening in various parts of the country have added pressure on provinces tasked with rectifying delays blamed primarily on slowed shipments from overseas manufacturers.

Vaccine influx to test provinces' COVID promises

Vancouver Police investigates stranger attack in West End

Vancouver Police investigates stranger attack in West End
The victim is white, five feet eight inches, and slim, with long brown hair. She was wearing UGG boots, black yoga pants, and a black winter jacket with a fur-lined hood.

Vancouver Police investigates stranger attack in West End

Lawyers urge bar association to back climate fight

Lawyers urge bar association to back climate fight
The group, launched in Victoria in 2019, says all lawyers should take climate action, where appropriate.

Lawyers urge bar association to back climate fight

Freeland appeals to Tories on COVID-19 relief bill

Freeland appeals to Tories on COVID-19 relief bill
The appeal is in a letter from Freeland to Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole sent Tuesday, as members of Parliament return from a weeklong break and prepared to resume debate on Bill C-14.

Freeland appeals to Tories on COVID-19 relief bill

Business groups make push on own pandemic plan

Business groups make push on own pandemic plan
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce unveiled on Tuesday an advisory group of 20 chief and senior executives to help businesses large and small manage their operations through restrictions and public health concerns.

Business groups make push on own pandemic plan