COVID-19 Vaccine

On Monday March 1st, the provincial government announced Phase 2 of the COVID-19 immunization plan.

Beginning on March 8th, seniors aged 90+ and indigenous people aged 65+ who don’t currently receive home support services or live in an independent living or a seniors’ supportive housing facility, will be able to call Island Health to book their vaccination appointment in their community.

Immunization appointments will begin on March 15. All health authorities in B.C. are registering individuals starting in the three age groupings below.

How to register for the COVID-19 Vaccine

How to register for the COVID-19 Vaccine on behalf of an eligible individual

If an eligible individual has difficulty registering themselves, a family member, friend or community advocate can register for them, by calling 1-833-348-4787, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily

Here's what happens when you call on behalf of someone:

• The phone agent verifies who you are calling for and asks you to provide their age and personal information
• You work with the phone agent to select an appointment time slot at a clinic close to the home of the person you're calling for
• The phone agent confirms the appointment time and clinic location
• If you've provided contact information, you get a confirmation message sent by email or text

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the vaccine?

Getting one of the approved vaccines is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19, which is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. In clinical trials, those who received a vaccine were about 95% less likely to become sick with COVID-19. When you get immunized, you help to protect others as well, including those who are unable to get the vaccine. 

When will I be eligible if I'm not eligible now?

Visit the BC. Centre for Disease Control website for more about B.C.’s plan for vaccine distribution.

Do I still have to follow restrictions after I am vaccinated? 

For now, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders and guidelines remain in place for everyone, even if they have received the vaccine. 
It is also extremely important that people continue to seek testing for COVID-19 if needed. Click here to learn more about symptoms and testing.

I can’t get through to the call centre. Now what?

• Island Health’s call centre will be accepting bookings from people in eligible age categories during specific weeks starting March 8 and onwards. 
• Due to the size of the vaccination effort, some hold times will be inevitable. As such, we appreciate everyone’s patience as we all work together to book the next eligible groups for their vaccination.
• Unless you are in the listed age group or are an advocate or family member acting for someone in the age group, please do not phone the call centre.
• If you call before you’re eligible to do so, it will just prevent someone who is eligible from getting through to the call centre. 
• Anyone who is looking for information on when they are eligible can visit government’s website at gov.bc.ca/covidvaccine

I don’t have transportation to a clinic. Are there options available?

If you, or someone you are booking for does not have access to transportation to the appointment, please mention this at the timing of booking and you will be called back by the home immunization team.

What information will Indigenous peoples have to provide to demonstrate their eligibility?

We know how important it is that Indigenous identity is respected, in every step of this process. If someone self identifies as Indigenous, additional proof of identity will not be required.

I am new to BC and do not have a personal health number yet. Can I still get vaccinated? 

If someone does not have a Personal Health Number but is living in B.C., they can still call and make an appointment to be immunized. Public health has procedures in place for booking appointments for people who are living in B.C. who do not have a Personal Health Number. 

When do I get my second dose? 

On March 1, 2021, B.C.s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, noted we will be moving to 16 week intervals between the first and second dose of the vaccine. You will be contacted when it is time to schedule your 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. PST, 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. PST)
• Telephone for the deaf: Dial 7-1-1 (across BC)

For questions specific to residents in Island Health, email: vislandhealth.info@viha.ca