'A dilemma': Muddled messaging from B.C. health officials compounds booster availability confusion

Days after the province caved to public and political pressure on the availability of fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, British Columbians are increasingly confused and conflicted about what to do next.

Days after the province caved to public and political pressure on the availability of fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, British Columbians are increasingly confused and conflicted about what to do next.

On Friday, B.C. health officials grudgingly announced that adults who’d had their most recent dose at least six months ago can now get their fourth dose but strongly encouraged waiting until September.

The move followed in Quebec’s footsteps as stories kept accumulating of British Columbians driving to Washington state for booster doses in order to better protect themselves during a growing wave of Omicron-driven infections.

Adding to the mixed messaging, text alerts have started arriving from the province notifying recipients that booster doses will be available in the fall, ending with the statement: “If you’re 18+ and feel you have unique needs, you can get another booster sooner. This is okay, but not recommended,” which is echoed by the province’s immunization agency. 

Previously only available to those over the age of 70 or with serious health issues who’ve received invitations, Dr. Penny Ballem spent most of her time on Friday speaking as the head of the COVID-19 immunization program trying to convince people to wait for their shot, but also said simply, “If you're very worried, we'll enable that [now].”

This wave of Omicron is already seeing a steep rise in hospitalizations, but fewer deaths with so many people already vaccinated or with some immunity from previous infections helping avert the death rates of previous waves. 

Waiting is easier said than done at a time a growing number of British Columbians are past the six-month mark from their booster and the BA.5 omicron variant is widely believed to be spreading so quickly because it’s developed in a way that evades immunity, which is already waning for many.