Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. prioritizes clinically vulnerable for vaccine

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Mar, 2021 11:16 PM
  • B.C. prioritizes clinically vulnerable for vaccine

The British Columbia government says it is accelerating the timeline for the COVID-19 vaccine once again, allowing people who are "extremely clinically vulnerable" and some seniors to book their shots earlier than expected.

The Ministry of Health says in a news release that people at higher risk from COVID-19 due to existing medical conditions, including transplant recipients and those with cancer and severe respiratory conditions, will be able to register for their vaccine beginning next Monday.

This group of people was originally scheduled to receive their shots in Phase 3 starting in April, but Health Minister Adrian Dix says the province has made tremendous progress on its age-based program and has additional vaccine supply.

The release says the new timeline means that about 200,000 people in B.C. aged 16 years or older who are clinically extremely vulnerable will receive their first dose of vaccine in the coming weeks.

It says expert physicians have determined those who are most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and the individuals identified will receive a letter in the mail in the coming days on how to book an appointment.

The booking process for vulnerable people will run parallel to the ongoing age-based schedule, which has also been sped up so that 76-year-olds can start booking Wednesday, 75-year-olds on Thursday and 74-year-olds on Friday.

If people who believe they are in that vulnerable group have not received a letter by April 15, the ministry says they can contact the provincial call centre or use the online booking platform set to launch April 6, to confirm they are on the list.

"Since Day 1 of our immunization plan, we have set out to protect those who are most at risk to COVID-19," said Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead of B.C.'s immunization plan, in the release.

"We used clinical evidence from around the world and clinical expertise and patient registries in B.C. to develop this list and look forward to taking another important step forward in our immunization plan."

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, said these vaccinations will relieve a significant burden from those who are extremely clinically vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19.

"This is another encouraging step forward for all of us as we continue to ramp up our immunization efforts."

MORE National ARTICLES

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders
Henry and the province have said they are confident the health orders are in accordance with the law, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days
With the additional supply from the newly approved AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India viral vector vaccine, combined with setting the second dose interval at 16 weeks, everyone moves up the line, meaning more people will be vaccinated more quickly.

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI
The AstraZeneca vaccine was authorized for use Friday on all adults, including seniors, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization is concerned there is limited data on how well the vaccine will work in older populations.

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021
The changes, if passed, will come into effect on July 1 and are in addition to earlier protections introduced in 2018.

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine
Liberal MP John McKay, the committee chairman, said Monday the hearing could take place this week but cautioned it would be a challenge to schedule witnesses in time.

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine

How effective is the AstraZeneca vaccine?

How effective is the AstraZeneca vaccine?
Health Canada said Friday that real-world data from countries already using the product suggest it is safe and effective among older age groups.

How effective is the AstraZeneca vaccine?