British Columbia is ramping up its immunization campaign ahead of respiratory disease season, with record numbers of people receiving COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.
The Ministry of Health announced in a news release that pharmacies in British Columbia administered approximately 82,000 vaccinations on October 15 alone.
According to the report, this is a record for a single day, with approximately 50,000 doses administered for influenza and 32,000 doses administered for the new coronavirus.
The ministry says the latest vaccines against both influenza and COVID-19 are available, including a new mRNA vaccine against the KP.2 coronavirus variant.
The ministry said it started sending out invitations to priority residents to renew their vaccinations on October 8, and a record was set on the first day they were sent out.
Approximately 370,000 vaccines were administered in the first week of the campaign, setting a record.
The new numbers were announced by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, who said in a release that during respiratory illness season, cover your cough, wash your hands and tell others if you have a cough or fever. He said it was time to remember “healthy habits” such as avoiding . Wear a mask if your symptoms persist or if you need additional protection.
The ministry said the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends getting a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, or after receiving the most recent COVID-19 vaccination or six months after infection, whichever is later. .
