Whole Community Approach

Island Health will take a “whole of community” approach to immunization in communities where: 

• there is a small population, and 
• there are barriers to accessing larger immunization clinics (i.e., requiring ferry, air or 3+ hours of ground travel) 

Island Health’s COVID-19 immunization team is returning to many communities in August to provide first and second doses to all eligible residents age 12+. 

Appointments are needed. Please ensure that you are registered in the provincial ‘Get Vaccinated’ system at www.GetVaccinated.gov.bc.ca, and book your appointment when you receive a link. Alternatively, you can call 1-833-838-2323 to reserve your spot. 

If you have not received a notice to book your second dose, and you received your first dose more than 28 days ago, please call the number listed above and tell the agent that you live in a whole community clinic location. 

This is the last set of whole community clinics. Island Health is working on a sustainable, accessible program for people who miss this clinic and need first or second dose immunizations in the future. We will share more information about this program in the weeks ahead. 

Whole Community Clinic Schedule

Booking information

All bookings into whole community clinics are done through the provincial Get Vaccinated booking system. Residents who had their first dose more than eight weeks ago should already have been invited to book a second dose appointment. Anyone who wants to book a first dose must register to book an appointment. 

Visit gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated to register and for more information. 

What information do I need to provide?

You, or the person calling for you, will need to provide your:

1. Legal first and last name
2. Date of birth
3. Post code
4. Personal health number (aka: care card)
5. Phone number (a direct line to you or your support person)

**Information is changing rapidly at this time, please visit the province's COVID-19 Immunization Plan for the latest updates. Then check back here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t make the clinic on the date(s) Island Health is scheduled to come?

If you cannot make the dates scheduled for your community you can book a vaccine appointment in one of our larger clinics once your age cohort is eligible. Watch our webpage for more information about who is eligible and how to register.  

I live on a small island adjacent to a location where a whole community clinic will be. Can I attend that clinic? 

Yes. If you live on a remote island or area, and a whole-community clinic is not scheduled there, you can attend the nearest clinic. Please be clear about where you live with call centre staff when booking. 

Will I have to prove that I live in a community where whole of community clinics are held?

Yes, your home community will be confirmed when booking your appointment. If you live in an area that will be served by a larger clinic (not in a remote area) – you will be required to wait for your age cohort and attend the nearest clinic to you. 

How will I be notified about 2nd doses?

Island Health will be reaching out about clinics and appointments for second doses in the future. We will be sharing that information with community leaders and posting on our website.