Health

B.C. dropping COVID-19 vaccine rule for public servants as spring booster campaign launches

The British Columbia government is dropping a requirement that public servants receive the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to work, as it launches a spring booster campaign to increase immunization rates and protect against the spread of the virus.

The province had previously required all public servants to be fully vaccinated against the virus before returning to work. However, citing low immunization rates and the need to reach herd immunity, the province has now opted to drop the requirement and instead focus on increasing vaccination rates through the spring booster campaign.

The booster campaign will target adults aged 30 to 49, who are at a higher risk for contracting the virus and could benefit from a second dose of the vaccine. The campaign will utilize both digital and traditional methods, such as television and radio advertisements, to reach people in this age group.

The province has also taken steps to make it easier for people to get vaccinated, such as expanding its mobile vaccine clinic pilot program, launching a new online booking system, and providing additional incentives for those who get vaccinated.

The province is hoping that by making it easier for people to get vaccinated, and increasing awareness about the benefits of vaccination, it can reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.

The move to drop the requirement for public servants to receive the vaccine before returning to work is part of the province's effort to increase vaccination rates across the province. Vaccination rates in B.C. are currently among the lowest in the country, and the province is hoping its spring booster campaign will help it reach its goal of herd immunity.