Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. expecting more AstraZeneca vaccine: minister

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 May, 2021 03:41 PM
  • B.C. expecting more AstraZeneca vaccine: minister

British Columbia will be holding its remaining stock of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to use as second doses for residents.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say the change is due to the limited availability of the vaccine.

The pair say in a joint statement all currently scheduled vaccination appointments through pharmacies will proceed, but no additional appointments will be booked.

British Columbia reported 600 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday and 5,887 active infections, for a total of 137,223 since the pandemic began.

It also reported one new death, bringing the death toll to 1,625.

Several other provinces including Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec announced new restrictions on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine this week.

B.C. officials are working on a plan to give the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to youth aged 12 to 18 now that Health Canada has approved its use, Dix says.

On Wednesday, British Columbia also cleared the 50 per cent mark for eligible adults who have received at least one dose of vaccine, including more than 85 per cent of people aged 70 and over.

Dix and Henry say they are waiting on the results of studies examining the effects mixing doses of different vaccines as the province charts its immunization plan moving forward.

"No matter what your vaccine or when you may receive it, everyone will receive their second dose within 16 weeks of their first vaccine to maximize the protection for ourselves and those around us," they said in a joint statement.

Preliminary results of a study out of the United Kingdom said mixing the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines causes more frequent mild to moderate symptoms.

However, the study said it was too early to determine whether immune response to mixed doses would be affected and those results are expected to be released in the coming months.

MORE National ARTICLES

Horgan cool on vaccine passports within B.C.

Horgan cool on vaccine passports within B.C.
Horgan says B.C. will monitor the situation as the pandemic continues and the prospect of implementing something that gives proof of vaccine hasn't been completely ruled out.

Horgan cool on vaccine passports within B.C.

Ottawa funds development of B.C. geothermal field

Ottawa funds development of B.C. geothermal field
The money will be spent on the Clarke Lake field near the community of Fort Nelson, which is nearing depletion after nearly 60 years of production. That, combined with low natural gas prices, have reduced investment and employment from the resource.

Ottawa funds development of B.C. geothermal field

B.C. urged to protect at-risk old growth forests

B.C. urged to protect at-risk old growth forests
Just over 13 million hectares of old forests remain in B.C., according to provincial data. The report notes as much as 80 per cent of that land consists of smaller trees with lower commercial value.

B.C. urged to protect at-risk old growth forests

Jobless data shows strong B.C. economy: NDP

Jobless data shows strong B.C. economy: NDP
A statement from the Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ministry says employment has been created in B.C. in each of the last 10 months and the province has one of the strongest economies in Canada.

Jobless data shows strong B.C. economy: NDP

No known link for AstraZeneca vaccine and clots

No known link for AstraZeneca vaccine and clots
Dr. Supriya Sharma says Health Canada has a "really low threshold" for adverse events that could trigger a pause on the use of a vaccine and wouldn't hesitate to do so if something warranted it.

No known link for AstraZeneca vaccine and clots

Trudeau warns vaccine passport use could be unfair

Trudeau warns vaccine passport use could be unfair
"These are things that we have to take into account so that yes, we're looking to try and encourage everyone to get vaccinated as quickly as possible, but we're not discriminating and bringing in unfairness in the process at the same time," Trudeau said Friday at a press conference alongside health officials.

Trudeau warns vaccine passport use could be unfair