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Wondering about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Mar 5, 2021

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Information on approved COVID-19 vaccines, the BC vaccination plan and who is approved at each stage, is updated frequently on official websites. The vaccine will help protect you by working with your immune system to create a defense response and fight future infections. Priority populations include health professionals, seniors and persons with chronic health conditions.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available in BC and rolling out in four phases. We are now in phase 2 of the program and the vaccine will be available for 400 thousand people including seniors, Indigenous people and independent living persons and care aides working in that industry. Your health authority or housing management/staff will book your appointment for you.

Do I need more than one dose?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, the second being 21 to 28 days after the first dose. Some side effects may occur one or two days after receiving the vaccine, including pain in the arm at the vaccine site, tiredness, fever, chills, headaches and nausea.

Three vaccines have been approved for use in Canada

BioNTech, Pfizer vaccine: Approved for 16 years of age and older. mRNA vaccine given by injection. For the vaccine to be most effective, 2 doses are needed 21 days apart. Based on studies, this vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning a week after the second dose. Common possible side effects include pain at the injection site, body chills, fatigue and fever.

Moderna vaccine: Approved for 18 years of age and older. mRNA vaccine given by injection. mRNA vaccines teach cells how to make a protein that trigger the immune response and make antibodies to fight infection. Two doses are needed, one month apart.

Oxford, AstraZeneca vaccine: Approved for 18 years of age and older. Not currently being administered in BC, but approved for use in Canada. Rather than an mRNA vaccine, the AstraZeneca is a viral vector-based vaccine that uses a harmless virus as a delivery system to build a strong immune response against COVID-19.

Other Services – Prescription Refills and Deliveries in Summerland

While we keep updated and wait for our immunizations, we continue to serve our community with prescription refills for counter pickups or delivery in Summerland. All of our staff, including our delivery drivers, adhere to current COVID procedures.

*This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority and physician for health advice.

Check these article references often for current updates:

  1. gov.bc.ca
  2. ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines
  3. bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
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Contact Us
Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community for over a century and we continue to serve our customers through these unusual times. If you have any questions about the use of vitamins for health, please contact us for more information by calling (250) 494-0531 or filling out the web form here on our Contact page.
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