COVID Booster Uptake Sluggish in Victoria, Despite Availability and Rising Cases

Pharmacies in Victoria say they’re seeing fewer people booking COVID-19 booster shots this spring, even as the province warns of a steady rise in cases.

“We were all ramped up and ready to go—and nobody really showed up,” said Linda Gutenberg, pharmacy operations lead at Heart Pharmacy Group, which runs seven locations across Greater Victoria.

Since the spring booster campaign began April 8, uptake has been lower than expected. Last week, pharmacists administered only about half the number of shots compared to this time last year.

Gutenberg believes “vaccine fatigue” is setting in. “People are just kind of tired of coming in and getting vaccines all the time,” she said in an interview on CBC’s On The Island.

Appointments Still Available

As of June 1, nearly 287,000 British Columbians had received a COVID-19 booster this spring — slightly more than the same point last year, according to provincial data. But pharmacies say demand is slowing, with many appointments still open before the campaign wraps up on June 30.

The Ministry of Health continues to urge eligible individuals to get their booster, especially as a newer variant, NB.1.8.1, spreads. Though early signs suggest the variant is more transmissible, the World Health Organization says the overall global impact of COVID-19 is decreasing — even as infections rise.

Who Should Get Boosted?

B.C.'s spring booster is recommended for:

• Adults 65 and older

• Indigenous adults 55 and older

• Long-term care residents

• Anyone 6 months+ considered clinically extremely vulnerable

Those not in these groups but still interested in vaccination should consult a health-care provider.

COVID-19 levels in B.C. remain low according to PCR and wastewater testing, but have been increasing since March.

Gutenberg says those still considering a booster should act soon. “We’ve got the staff. We’ve got the vaccines. People just need to show up.”