More British Columbians can start registering to get their COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday. People aged 55 and older can register online and by phone, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix.
By Wednesday, people 50 and older will be eligible, and those 45 years and up can register starting Friday. Starting April 19, registration will be open to those 40 and older.
A new schedule for age cohorts to register for their vaccine:
• Mon, April 12 – Born 1966 or earlier (55+)
• Wed, April 14 – Born 1971 or earlier (50+)
• Fri, April 16 – Born 1976 or earlier (45+)
• Mon, April 19 – Born 1981 or earlier (40+)— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) April 12, 2021
Once you’ve registered, you’ll be invited to book your appointment when it’s your age cohort’s turn to do so.
The announcement by the health minister on Twitter comes the same day Whistler started booking appointments for all adults living and working in Whistler. The program is mean to stem the spread of COVID-19 variants, which have become a major concern in the community.
B.C. is currently booking appointments for people aged 66 and older, Indigenous adults, and clinically vulnerable people who have received their letter in the mail. People can use the province-wide online booking system or call toll-free: 1-833-838-2323.
The priority group program was put on hold at the start of the month, after the province put a pause on use of the AstraZeneca shot for people under 55 due to concerns about possible blot clots. The province identified a long list of workers, including first responders, K-12 staff, child care workers, grocery store workers, and manufacturing workers who were slated to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine sometime in April.
Health Canada anticipates a total of 36.5 million doses from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India by June 30.