More than 50% of eligible British Columbians have received their first COVID shot

On May 12, B.C. reported 600 new cases of COVID-19 from 9,109 tests completed. 5,887 cases are active and 129,524 people have recovered. 

Right now, 423 people are hospitalized, with 141 of these in intensive care. There was one more death reported, for a totally of 1,625 since the start of the pandemic. 

Of the new cases, nine were in the Northern Health region, identified from 98 tests. There are 11 people hospitalized in the region with four of these in intensive care. Right now, 130 cases are active and 7,105 people have recovered.  

On Wednesday afternoons, B.C. provides the cases numbers by local health area for the previous week. From May 2 to 8, Peace River North had 45 cases of COVID-19, and Peace River South had 34.  

Courtesy B.C. Centre for Disease Control

Provincially, 2,277,318 doses vaccine have been administered, 115,295 of which are second doses. 

People aged 30 and older are now eligible to book for the vaccine in B.C. To register for the vaccine, click HERE. British Columbians who have received their first dose are also reminded to register, to ensure a second dose is reserved for them.  

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health announced that with the limited availability of AstraZeneca vaccines, B.C. will be saving the remaining supply for second doses. Those who already have their first vaccine booked at a pharmacy will still be able to get their shot.  

They also assure British Columbians that no matter what shot they received, they will get their second one within 16 weeks to maximize protection for everyone.  

As of May 12, more than 50% those eligible for their first dose of the vaccine in B.C. had received it.