COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Vaccinations are now underway in BC, and currently ahead of schedule. The general public will receive their vaccines in stages, starting in April. Please be patient and watch for updated information on timing for your age group.
Over the next two weeks, the BC government will be sending letters to people aged 16- 74 who are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ with information on how they can register for their vaccine.
• This means that ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ patients will be able to get their vaccinations earlier than their age group, ensuring that those most at risk are protected sooner.
• It is expected that everyone will receive their letter by April 15.
• Please note that the criteria for the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ is very specific and cannot be changed.
• Most people with common conditions such as diabetes (unless on insulin) and asthma are not considered ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and will be vaccinated shortly as part of their age group.
• Please visit www.gov.bc.ca/cevCOVID if you are unsure if you meet the criteria.
• If you have not received your letter by April 15, your first step will be to call the vaccine booking system to see if you are on the list.
• If you are not on the list, please call this office after April 15 so we can confirm your eligibility with the provincial government.
• We respectfully ask that you do not contact this office before April 15 as it is important our phone lines are free for those needing immediate medical care.
• For more information on this process, or If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria for a ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ person, please visit:
Vaccines for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – Province of British Columbia: Click Here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/cev
• Our vaccine program is ahead of schedule and all British Columbians are now expected to receive the first dose of their vaccine by the end of June.
• Seniors aged 80 and older, and Indigenous seniors aged 65 and older have now almost all been vaccinated. If you are in this age group, and you need to book your appointment, visit the BC Government website here.
• The general public will start receiving vaccines in April. Vaccines will be delivered by age group, starting with those aged 75 and older.
• Currently the Immunization Plan is ahead of schedule and everyone should have received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of June.
• Health authorities will shortly be reaching out to all British Columbians with information on how to register to get the vaccine.
• For information on the four phases of the immunization campaign, and to understand when you will be eligible, please go to the BC Centre for Disease Control website here.
• If you want to know whether you are on the list of clinically extremely vulnerable patients, who are being fast-tracked to receive the vaccine earlier than their age group, check this link:
Vaccines for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – Province of British Columbia: Click Here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/cev
It also provides you with direction regarding next steps.
• Please do not contact this office until after April 15; then contact us only after calling the booking system to see if you are eligible for the vaccine. Again, please look to see if you are on the list first to see if you are eligible for fast-tracking.
• Thank you for your patience, and please continue to do all you can to prevent spread of the virus, and to keep you and your loved ones safe.
• This means wearing a mask when you’re out, staying six feet from others, and washing your hands frequently.