'How can I be more clear?' B.C. health minister reiterates 'forceful' message on COVID-19 boosters

Health Minister Adrian Dix was asked Friday for his response to criticism that the province's messaging on the necessity of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses hasn't been "forceful" enough.

Roughly 1.3 million people in B.C. have been invited to get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but have not yet done so.

As the province plans for the rollout of "fall boosters" for everyone ages 12 and older beginning in September, Health Minister Adrian Dix was asked Friday for his response to criticism that the province's messaging on the necessity of booster doses hasn't been "forceful" enough. 

Dix responded calmly, but expressed exasperation.

"How can I be more clear than I have been – I would say, and I have to say this delicately – the last 150 times I've said this?" the health minister asked, before again making his case to the 1.3 million people who haven't booked booster appointments.

"If you've been invited for your first booster, get your first booster today," Dix said. "Sign up for the appointment today. It'll make you safer. It'll make your family safer. It'll make your community safer. Get it done today."

Likewise, to the roughly 200,000 people ages 70 and older or in other categories where second boosters have been offered, he offered a similar message:

"If you've been invited for a second booster and you're in those categories, get it done today. Book the appointment today."