Dr. Bonnie Henry

British Columbia's top doctor says COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings are expected to be gradually lifted next month, starting on Family Day.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says that's possible in part because 90 per cent of residents aged 12 and over have received two doses of vaccine, though more people need to get a booster shot for longer-lasting protection.

She says taking that step is necessary as new variants will surely emerge as immunity wanes and respiratory season in the fall again brings an increased risk of transmission.

Henry says B.C.'s committee on immunization will be discussing a recommendation from its federal counterpart that children between the ages of five and 12 get a booster shot if they have underlying health conditions.

She says there are pros and cons in making that decision and more details will be provided at her next briefing on Tuesday.

Henry says people have adapted repeatedly through five waves of COVID-19 since B.C. identified its first infection two years ago today, but the main factors for contracting the virus are age and being unvaccinated.