In his comments, the Minister highlighted the challenges to date and the measures taken towards providing for vaccinations for British Columbians and protecting the provincial health care system.
"Now is the time to continue this momentum and prepare for the Fall.
These are and will continue to be as we continue to live in this pandemic, challenging times.
Challenging for our health care system and challenging for people around BC.
We've gone through multiple phases and together implemented different strategies to address COVID-19 while protecting critical social interactions.
It's why in BC and we can be proud of this, all of us can be proud of this, we kept schools open when others closed them.
Because the health and social implications for children were so important. And we're going to continue as we deal with the current circumstances of COVID-19 to do the same thing"-- Health Minister Adrian Dix at a Friday information briefing July 8
The update on the vaccination program and the science behind it was turned over to Dr. Martin Lavoie who it was noted is serving as the Acting Provincial Health Officer.
The Doctor observed on the focus for the Province heading towards the fall, what they've been watching for over the summer as the continue with their pandemic management plan.
From that review, the vaccination strategy is one that will see another round of Booster shots offered to British Columbians in the fall, which is when health officials anticipate the next signicifacnt wave to be realized in the province.
"Vaccination has made a huge difference, to be able to get us there and to drop the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths so we need to continue on that trend ...
Unfortunately we know that there is also 1.3 million people who have not yet received their booster dose So being fully immunized, with all the doses recommended is very important.
Because we know it makes a huge difference, provide excellent protection and makes a difference month over month" -- Acting Provincial Health Officer Dr. Martin Lavoie
Doctor Penny Ballem, the executive lead of BC's COVID-19 immunization plan provided the details on the vaccination program and how it has been managed through the spring and into the summer.
The special circumstances that some may seek out an additional spring booster shot was outlined, however the Fall immunization program made for the Provinces Big Message on the day, with the risk factor highest in the fall which is when health officials say most British Columbians should get their fall booster shots.
"So If you have a booster early than the fall, then you will have to wait for your full six months to get access to the new vaccines, or to a fall booster when we're providing it for the whole population.
So, best to wait and follow the advice of public health, but if you feel that you have special circumstances or you're very worried then we will enable that" -- Doctor Penny Ballem
The shift from Omicron to the new Variant of BA5 which is taking hold was of some note at the sessions, though the health officials noted that those with full vaccination status to date have ample coverage and are very well protected.
More information of the fall vaccination program is anticipated to be delivered in September, with priorities to be determined by health officials as they roll out the invitations for the fall program.
Additional information on the provincial Booster shot campaign can be explored here.
The full presentation and the follow Q and A period can be reviewed from the video below
Further background from today's information session can be reviewed here.
More notes of interest on Health care in the Northwest can be examined here.
The topic is sure to be the focus of the media through the reminder of the day, any notes of interest coming out of the Friday information session can be explored through our political Blog D'Arcy McGee and our Victoria Viewpoints feature.
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