The COVID-19 vaccine booster isn't a priority for some British Columbians. Why?
CBC
It's been nearly four months since B.C. began administering COVID-19 booster doses, but some British Columbians are in no rush to get one.
Invites for booster doses are sent out about six months after a person received their second dose.
As of Feb. 14, the province says 58 per cent of British Columbians who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have received a booster. That's 69 per cent of those who have been invited to get one, resulting in 2.5 million booster shots administered in the province in total.
But according to an online poll conducted by research company Ipsos on behalf of the B.C. Pharmacy Association, 56 per cent of survey respondents — who have received two doses of the vaccine but not a booster — say they do not plan to get a booster dose right away.
About half of those survey respondents say they will get the shot eventually, but that it isn't currently a priority.
"It's concerning that some people are choosing to wait or not get it at all," said B.C. Pharmacy Association president Jamie Wigston.
"After six months, their existing immunization doesn't provide as much protection as before, as their immunity from the second dose wanes."
Some say messaging from leaders around the importance of the booster dose hasn't been strong or clear enough.
North Vancouver-based Ada Slivinski says she doesn't feel she absolutely needs to have another dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and she's comfortable with the level of protection provided by the first two doses.
"There's no benefits that I'm seeing for my own life at this point," she said.
She's not vehemently against a booster dose, she says, adding she'd consider it if requirements change.
"If boosters were required for travel, then that would be something that I would consider."
Booster doses are not required to continue using the B.C. Vaccine Card, which will be in place until June 30, or for domestic or international travel.
The Ipsos poll found Slivinksi is not alone: 41 per cent of respondents say they feel two doses are enough.
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