Spring 2023 COVID-19 booster

Based on the evolving epidemiology, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) determined rates of hospitalizations and deaths in Canada continue to be highest in unvaccinated individuals, particularly for adults 60 years of age and older, with risk increasing with age and highest among those ≥80 years, and lowest for those recently vaccinated.

Individuals with hybrid immunity (at least two doses of mRNA vaccine and have had a COVID-19 infection) are well protected against serious disease and hospitalizations. Compared to younger populations in Canada, older adults have a higher proportion of vaccinated individuals who have not had a COVID-19 infection.

The spring booster dose campaign for the following eligible groups will start in early April 2023.

Spring 2023 COVID-19 booster dose

For longer lasting protection, the booster dose is being offered at six months since last COVID-19 vaccination.

1. A Spring 2023 booster dose should be offered to:

   a. 80+ years of age
   b. Indigenous peoples 70+ years of age
   c. Residents of Long-Term Care (LTC) and alternate level of care clients awaiting placement in LTC
   d. 18+ years of age who are moderately to severely immunosuppressed -> See Appendix A BCCDC Eligibility page
   e. 50+ years of age with an underlying health condition -> See Appendix C BCCDC Eligibility page
   f. These individuals will receive a booking invite through the Get Vaccinated System except LTC residents who will be vaccinated in their facility.

2. Spring 2023 booster dose may be offered to those with no prior history of COVID-19 infection who are:

   a. 60-79 years of age
   b. Indigenous peoples 50 to 69 years of age
   c. 18-49 years of age with an underlying health condition -> See Appendix C BCCDC Eligibility page
   d. These individuals will receive a booking invite through the Get Vaccinated System

Booking an appointment

• Eligible individuals will receive a booking link through the Get Vaccinated system.
• Appointments can be booked at participating pharmacies in Fraser Health Authority through the Get Vaccinated System
• Individuals who have had at least two doses of vaccine and a prior COVID-19 infection are well protected against serious disease and hospitalization; however, those who wish to receive an additional dose despite having had a prior SARS-COV-2 infection, or those 18 years of age and older who self-declare a recommendation by their heath care provider (no attestation letter required), may receive a spring 2023 booster dose at an interval of six months from last dose of vaccine or infection whichever was more recent.
  • To book an appointment, individuals will need to call the Get Vaccinated call centre at 1-833-838-2323

Primary series and bivalent booster

1. Receiving a primary series and booster dose (if eligible) will provide protection against serious illness and hospitalization
   • Everyone six months of age and older is eligible for a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines
   • Individuals who have not yet received their fall booster dose can still book an appointment to receive their booster dose using their existing Get Vaccinated booking link
2. Individuals can request a new online booking link: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/s/resend-booking-link