Since the start of the global pandemic, a lot of headway has been made – including what we know about the COVID-19 virus, how it transmits, how it affects people, and the types of treatment methods that are available – specifically with the use of vaccines. While vaccines are not 100% foolproof, they remain the best course of action when it comes to protecting yourself as well as others around you, and can prevent serious illness or death from occurring should you happen to contract COVID-19.

Because vaccine immunity can wane over time, booster vaccines are an important part of staying protected against COVID-19 – especially as we begin to see cooler weather, which will likely come along with a new surge of cases during the fall and winter months. It’s also important to note that because different variants of the virus can also emerge over time, manufacturers may also need to release new vaccines to the public or re-work current vaccines – hence, Bivalent vaccines.

What does the word “Bivalent” mean?

The word “Bivalent” means that the vaccine causes the immune system to create antibodies against two different strains/variants of the COVID-19 virus.

Are there different types of Bivalent vaccines?

A “Bivalent” vaccine is an adapted version of a current vaccine, and there are two types that are currently available: the Moderna Spikevax and/or the Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccines – which were approved by Health Canada on September 1st, 2022 (Moderna) and October 7th, 2022 (Pfizer).

What variants do the Bivalent vaccines target?

The Moderna Bivalent vaccine targets the original SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as the Omicron BA.1 subvariant, while the Pfizer Bivalent vaccine also targets the original virus, in addition to the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants.

When should I get the Bivalent booster?

Because two vaccines are not considered enough protection with new variants like Omicron still being in our communities, it’s recommended that everyone get their Bivalent vaccine at least 6 months after their last dose. Bivalent vaccines are currently available for everyone aged 12 or older.

How do I book my Bivalent vaccine?

Invitations are currently being sent out on a rolling basis. If you are a British Columbia resident and have not yet received an invitation to book your Bivalent vaccine and think you are due for it, you should contact the call centre at 1-833-838-2323. Someone will be available to take your call from 7 AM to 7 PM, 7 days per week.

With the Omicron variant now accounting for the recent rise in COVID-19 numbers (with British Columbia seeing its highest case count ever at 1,528 new cases announced Wednesday – those numbers expected to go even higher in the days to come), the Provincial government, on Tuesday, announced several new restrictions that went into effect at midnight which will be in place until at least January 18th in effort to help curb the spread of the virus. These latest measures announced include the cancellation of all indoor events regardless of size – as well as the closure of gyms, dance studios, night clubs, and capacity reduction in places like restaurants and movie theatres. Naturally, with the announcement of these latest restrictions also come lots of questions from the public.

“Am I still allowed to travel?”
As it’s the Holiday season, many British Columbians likely had plans to travel domestically or abroad – and while there was no travel ban announced as part of these latest health measures, Provincial health officials are recommending avoiding all non-essential travel; with the Federal government also announcing a new travel advisory, recommending that Canadians avoid non-essential travel out of the country due to the risk of the Omicron variant. If you do plan to travel right now, it’s important to be aware of any recommendations or advisories for your destination. For travel within BC, you should also be prepared to follow procedures and precautionary measures on public transportation such as BC Ferries, TransLink and BC Transit.

“What types of events are cancelled during the holidays?”
All organized events that include gatherings (of any size) will not be allowed to take place while these public health orders are currently in effect. This includes all Christmas and New Year’s parties, any parties that are sponsored or ticketed, as well as receptions (such as wedding or funeral receptions.)

“If I can’t go to an organized holiday party, can I still host one at my home?”
It is recommended that you currently keep your bubble as small as possible. That being said, if you plan on hosting people, you are limited to your household plus an additional 10 visitors or 1 other household. Everyone whom you do invite you to home also must be fully vaccinated. This order applies to both your permanent residence or any vacation accommodation that you may be staying at.

“What venues are included in the 50% capacity limit?”
Regardless of size, all venues will need to reduce their capacity to 50%. For example, if a venue has a capacity of 10,000, then it must be reduced to 5,000. This includes all sporting events, concerts, and movie theatres. If you are going to attend one of these venues, you must be fully vaccinated, and the venue must scan proof of vaccination QR codes for entry. Everyone who attends one of the venues while under this order also must wear a mask (unless eating or drinking.) If you’re attending a concert, theatre, dance, sympathy or sporting event, all spectators must remain seated.

With COVID-19 numbers trending upwards again in British Columbia, and a high percentage of those cases (as much as 95%, according to a new report from the BC CDC) now being the highly contagious and more transmissible Delta variant – particularly among those who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated – below are some answers to British Columbians most pressing questions.

“Is the Delta variant more contagious than previous variants of COVID-19?”
Yes, the Delta variant is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants of COVID-19. Furthermore, studies conducted in Canada and Scotland found that patients who were infected with the Delta variant were much more likely to be hospitalized than those infected with the original strain of the virus or other variants.

“Who’s most at risk of contracting the Delta variant?”
Individuals most at risk of contracting the Delta variant are those who remain unvaccinated, or those who have only received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In effort to increase the number of those who are fully vaccinated in our Province, the British Columbia government announced their #VaxForBC campaign – as well as announced a reduction in intervals between dose one and dose two (from 49 days to 28 days.)

“Am I still at risk of contracting COVID-19, or the Delta variant, if I am fully vaccinated?”
While the risk is lower for those who are fully vaccinated, it is still possible for fully vaccinated individuals to contract COVID-19 – including the highly contagious Delta variant – as vaccines are not considered 100% effective. In addition, it is also possible for fully vaccinated individuals to develop COVID-19, be asymptomatic, but pass it on to those who are not yet vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, which could result in those individuals developing severe illness.

“If I am fully vaccinated, what precautions should I still be taking to prevent contracting or spreading the Delta variant?”
While the mask mandate in British Columbia was recently lifted, it’s still recommended that individuals wear masks in most situations – such as in healthcare facilities or in other shared public spaces (i.e., shopping malls, on transit), working remote where necessary, as well as practicing good hand hygiene and physical distancing. In addition to getting vaccinated, these additional layers of protection are what will continue to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Will I need a third COVID-19 vaccine?”
Countries like Germany and France plan on rolling out booster vaccines for those considered most vulnerable in September, while the United States and Canada are preparing for the possibility of additional doses – although this is in early discussions and has yet to be confirmed.