COVID-19 Vaccine information for British Columbia, Canada

[CParsons]

In British Columbia, they have begun rolling out COVID-19 vaccines as of December 14, 2020. Following Health Canada's guidance, British Columbia is making use of both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. Like most places, British Columbia is making use of priority groups for their rollout and there is no cost.

The first groups to get vaccinated between December and February:

• Residents, staff and essential visitors to long-term care and assisted-living residences
• Individuals in hospital or community awaiting a long-term care placement
• Health care workers providing care for COVID-19 patients in settings like Intensive Care Units, emergency departments, medical/surgical units and paramedics
• Remote and isolated Indigenous communities

From February to March, the immunization program will expand:

• Community-based seniors, age 80 and above
• Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) seniors, age 65 and above
• Indigenous elders
• People experiencing homelessness and/or using shelters
• Provincial correctional facilities
• Adults in group homes or mental health residential care
• Long term home support recipients and staff
• Hospital staff, community GPs and medical specialists
• Other Indigenous communities not vaccinated in first priority group

Following all priority groups, all others in B.C. can get vaccinated as more vaccine becomes available, if the vaccines available are recommended for them.
A registration and record system is in development, including a process to register for vaccine access and to receive a formal record of immunization.

• There is no need to call your local health authority at this time

Everyone vaccines are recommended for in B.C. will have the opportunity to get the vaccine by the end of 2021.

Given this situation can change, you should always check the official British Columbia COVID-19 response page for the latest details. You can find it right here!