Tuesday April 6, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC
Re-posted from the Island Health vaccination information webpage | Island Social Trends
If you are eligible to make a vaccination appointment you can use B.C.’s new online registration system starting April 6th.
This system has three simple steps:
- Register: First, register when it is your turn and get a confirmation code
- Book: Book a vaccine appointment when you get an email, text or phone call telling you you are eligible to book, based on your age.
- Get vaccinated: Visit a vaccine clinic to get your vaccine dose.
Visit gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated to register and for more information.
A provincial call centre (1-833-838-2323) is available for people who do not have a Personal Health Number or need additional support making an appointment. This service is available in 140 languages.
Or you can register in-person at the nearest Service BC location starting April 6.
You will need to provide your:
- Legal first and last name
- Date of birth
- Post code
- Personal health number (aka: care card)
- An email address that gets checked regularly or a phone number that can receive text messages (a direct line to you or your support person)
Currently eligible
Registration for the following eligible groups starts at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6 , 2021. Once you are eligible to call, you remain eligible and can call any time.
Born in or before 1950 (71+ seniors)
Indigenous Peoples aged 18 and over
Clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV)*
*If you are in the CEV cohort and have received an invitation letter signed by Dr. Bonnie Henry, please book an appointment via the call centre first and remember to bring your letter with you to your appointment.
Before you call, we recommend you review information from the BC Centre for Disease Control on the planning, timing and safety of the vaccine with consideration of your health condition.I don’t have my patient invitation letterMy medical condition is not included
Exceptions to the Provincial registration process
Exceptions to call-in processFront line priority workersCommunity-based health care workers
Culturally safe experiences for Indigenous people
Island Health continues to work in close partnership with First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation British Columbia and Friendship Centers across Vancouver Island to improve cultural safety in all areas of health-care, including at COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
Indigenous people and communities continue to be prioritized, resulting in early access to vaccine, especially for communities exposed or vulnerable to COVID-19.
The lessons learned and ongoing collaboration between agencies and communities informs Island Health’s vaccination rollout, including how to create a culturally safe environment for everyone. This includes cultural safety training for staff and volunteers, as well as employing staff from partner organizations at COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
Island Health acknowledges that historical and current health system trauma may result in Indigenous individuals not wanting to visit a health authority site to be vaccinated. To address this, Island Health is pleased to be working with Indigenous partners to ensure vaccination clinic staff and volunteers have cultural safety and humility training.
We have also worked with Indigneous partners to have the Greater Victoria Friendship Centre, the Port Alberni Friendship Centre and the Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre as locations where vaccine can also be delivered. We are also working with Indigenous partners on similar opportunities in other communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find your local clinicThe whole community approachWhat to expect at the vaccine clinicWhat are the benefits of the vaccine?When will I be eligible if I’m not eligible now?Do I still have to follow restrictions after I am vaccinated?What information will Indigenous peoples have to provide to demonstrate their eligibility?I am new to BC and do not have a personal health number yet. Can I still get vaccinated?When do I get my second dose?
Need more information?
Visit ImmunizeBC for further COVID-19 vaccine questions and answers.
For non-health related vaccine or COVID-19 information, speak to a BC Services Agent:
- Text 1-604-660-2421 or dial 1-888-COVID19 (daily 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT, Standard message and data rates may apply)
- Help in other languages: Call 1-888-268-4319 (daily 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT)
- Telephone for the deaf: Dial 7-1-1 (across BC)
For questions specific to residents in Island Health, email: vislandhealth.info@viha.ca
