B.C. health minister Adrian Dix speaks to reporters, Dec. 10, 2020 as provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry look on.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Province of B.C.

B.C. health officials reported 600 new cases of COVID-19 today, including 39 within Interior Health, for a total of 137,223 since the start of the pandemic.

Of all the cases to date, 5,887 are active cases and there are currently 423 people hospitalized with141 of whom in intensive care.

There has been one new COVID-19 related death, for a total of 1,625 deaths in the province.

To date, 2,277,318 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 115,295 of which were second doses. That means that 50% of all eligible people in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

"We've made extraordinary progress together over the past few weeks toward everyone getting their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine," Premier John Horgan said in a press release.

"COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down, but this milestone gives us hope of better days ahead. We have to keep going. We need all British Columbians to help make sure as many people as possible get their shots. Register today and talk to your friends, family and neighbours and make sure they're registered, too."

The vaccines that are approved and in use in B.C. require two doses. This is why even if you have already had your first dose, it is important to register on the Get Vaccinated site. This will ensure a second dose is reserved for you.

Later today, people 30 and older across the province will be able to book their vaccine. Text and email invitations will be going out shortly, so take two minutes to get yourself registered.

Given the limited availability of the AstraZeneca vaccine supply, the province is now holding all remaining AstraZeneca vaccine for dose-two booster immunizations. Existing pharmacy bookings will proceed, but no additional appointments will be accepted at this time.

"We are also awaiting the findings of studies currently underway on the interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. This will help determine our approach and options for second doses," provincial health officer Dr.Bonnie Henry and health Minister Adrian Dix said in a joint statement today, May 12.

"No matter what your vaccine or when you may receive it, everyone will receive their second dose within 16 weeks of their first vaccine to maximize the protection for ourselves and those around us."

B.C., they said, has ample vaccine supply with more arriving each week.

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