PROVINCIAL Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced on Thursday that if you have received the AstraZeneca vaccine, you have the choice to get another AstraZeneca vaccine, or you can choose to have an mRNA vaccine instead.

They said they were sharing the details of the AstraZeneca Dose 2 approach, which is based on scientific evidence and the guidance of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and our own B.C. immunization committee.

Henry and Dix said: “Starting this coming Monday (June 7), and like the mRNA vaccines, everyone who has received the AstraZeneca vaccine will be notified to book their second vaccine after eight weeks. Once that notification goes out, you can book your vaccine.

“If you received your vaccine at a pharmacy, the pharmacy will contact you to book your next appointment. We ask that you please don’t contact the pharmacies to book – they will contact you.

“If you decide to have an mRNA vaccine instead, you’ll be able to book online for an appointment at one of our mass clinics.”

They added: “Every dose equals a vaccine appointment and we’re using every available dose of vaccine we have – every week. Because so many people in B.C. are signing up to get their vaccines, our clinics are busy, which may mean your appointment could be two or three weeks after you are invited to book.

“What is important to know is that we have available supply for everyone over 12 in B.C. to be fully immunized with their first and second doses by the end of August.”