(Vancouver) Feb. 10, 2022 — The BC Pharmacy Association is calling on British Columbians to make their booster appointments after a new poll found more than half of those who have already received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are not planning to make appointments to get their booster shots right away.
In a survey commissioned by the Association and conducted by Ipsos between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, 2022, 56% of respondents who have already had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine say they are not planning to get their booster right away. Among this group nearly half say they will get the booster shot, but just not right away. The remainder were undecided or have chosen not to receive their boosters at all.
“It’s concerning that some people are choosing to wait or not get it at all. After six months, their existing immunization doesn’t provide as much protection as before, as their immunity from the second dose wanes,” said Jamie Wigston, President of the BC Pharmacy Association.
The top reasons for not getting their booster shots right away included thinking that two doses is enough (41%), concern about potential long-term effects (33%) and just wanting to get on with normal life (27%).
Currently, about 1,000 community pharmacies across the province can deliver COVID-19 vaccinations. To date pharmacists have delivered more than half a million COVID shots to British Columbians ages 12 and older. Pharmacists have been providing vaccines since the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 and have the knowledge and training for COVID-19 boosters and other immunizations. For the past two years, B.C. pharmacists have administered more than 1 million flu vaccines.
The poll also found that the overwhelming majority of respondents (85%) say they trust pharmacies to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
“It is so important that people book their booster as soon as they’re eligible, so we can all work to end the pandemic,” added Wigston “Make your COVID booster appointment. Speak with your pharmacist. We are here to not only provide individuals with booster shots, but also to provide clinical advice and answer your questions.”
To learn more about the survey results, visit: https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/Fewer-Half-Two-Doses-Vaccine-Plan-Get-Booster-Shot
For more information, please contact:
Michael Mui
Communications Manager
BC Pharmacy Association
(604) 782-3531
michael.mui@bcpharmacy.ca