What we know about getting your next COVID-19 booster in BC

Editor’s note: This story was originally published on September 27, and updated on September 28 when the BC government released more details on the fall 2023 vaccination campaign. 

We’re heading into our third fall season since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and cases of the virus are once again climbing in BC.

Wastewater signals around Metro Vancouver have been on the rise since late August, and BC’s latest COVID-19 situation report from September 21 illustrates rising deaths and hospitalizations from the virus.

BC CDC

So you may be wondering — when should we get our next COVID-19 vaccine dose?

BC government rolling out updated vaccines this fall

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the province’s plans for this fall’s vaccination campaign during a news conference on September 28.

Updated boosters tailored to the latest variants will start to roll out in the first week of October, being given to vulnerable populations such as those living in long-term care first. Members of the general public can expect invitations to book their appointments starting on the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Priority populations are seniors aged 65 and up, Indigenous people, pregnant people, healthcare workers, and people with chronic health conditions.

Health Canada approved Moderna’s updated XBB.1.5 vaccine earlier this month, giving the go-ahead for it to be used on all Canadians six months and older. Two other updated vaccines are still under review by Health Canada.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization now recommends a dose of the latest XBB.1.5-tailored vaccine.

Whole genome sequencing indicates the most common strains in BC right now are EG.5, XBB.1.16, and recombinants.

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The BC government webpage indicated for several weeks prior to the announcement that new boosters would be available to British Columbians in fall 2023.

BC Government

Daily Hive reached out to the Ministry of Health for more details in mid-September, asking what vaccine will be available and when it will be rolled out, but a spokesperson declined to comment.

“We will have more information to share on provincial plans for the respiratory virus season in the coming days. Please stay tuned,” they said.

Regular boosters available now

For anyone who doesn’t want to wait for an updated booster, last year’s formulation is now available to anyone who wants to make an appointment.

The BC government cautions that getting a dose now may mean you’ll need to wait longer for an XBB.1.5 booster — since a six-month interval between doses is recommended.

Appointments can be booked by resending your booking link online or by calling 1-833-838-2323.