This comes as the province prepares for a spike in COVID-19 cases in November and December linked to the respiratory illness season. Starting this week, the Moderna bivalent vaccine will begin arriving in the province. Health Canada’s approved vaccine is more effective against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. “It is vaccination that has allowed us to get to this point. This meant we no longer needed these restrictive measures,” BC’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday. “The level of immunity through infection and vaccination has changed the game.” The province will require at least a six-month gap between booster doses, including both the third and fourth shots. Story continues below ad 6:35 Another uncertain school year begins in BC. Another uncertain school year begins in BC. British Columbians will be notified through the Get Vaccinated system when they are eligible to make an appointment for the bivalent vaccine. Currently, anyone can book a booster shot six months after their previous vaccination for the non-bivalent vaccines. Trending Stories

			Brendan Fraser cries during 6 minute standing ovation for ‘The Whale’ in Venice 	   				Siblings mourn slain sister, counselor ‘trying to make a difference’ on James Smith Cree Nation

The bivalent vaccine contains multiple strains of the virus and tests have shown it to be more effective at preventing severe disease and spread than the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The province recommends that anyone who is vaccinated and contracts COVID-19 wait three months after infection to get the booster. “I don’t know anyone, doesn’t know anyone who hasn’t been infected in the last few months,” Henry said. “There are far fewer people in BC and Canada who are at serious risk. And we have new tools to support those most at risk.” Story continues below ad

		Read more: Low COVID vaccination rates are a concern for some as BC kids head back to school 		
		read more 		


			Low COVID vaccination rates are a concern for some as BC kids head back to school

Pharmacies are expected to have the bivalent for vaccination by the end of the week. Priority is given to the length of time someone has been waiting for the download. “We will start as soon as the bivalent vaccine arrives. Due this week. We expected that today, but that’s not happening,” said vaccine chief Dr. Penny Ballem. “As soon as the first vaccine arrives, we will start with the invitations. We will make reservations.” The Health Authority clinics will be set up by September 19 and will operate at full capacity by the end of the month. Later in the fall, the province will offer the COVID-19 and flu vaccine together. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.