COVID-19 vaccine bookings move online as BC enters Phase 3 ahead of schedule

The province is moving to Phase 3 of its COVID-19 vaccination plan ahead of schedule, with online bookings becoming available this week.

From Tuesday at 8 am, people born in 1950 and earlier (aged 71+), Indigenous people 18 and older and the extremely vulnerable can book their shot online through the new “Get Vaccinated” system.

Nearly 770,000 people have been given their first vaccine dose in BC and over 87,000 have had their second dose.

The province expects everyone eligible for a vaccine to have been offered one by the end of June.

Premier John Horgan today praised British Columbians for their “incredible courage” in overcoming “countless challenges” amid the COVID-19 disaster.

"Today marks a major milestone in our fight against COVID-19, and we ask everyone to wait their turn and follow three steps to help put this pandemic behind us,” he added.

There are three steps to arranging a vaccine appointment:

1. Register: Register when it is your turn and get a confirmation code.

2. 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.

3. Get vaccinated: Visit a vaccine clinic to get your vaccine dose.

"We encourage everyone in BC to get their vaccine at their first opportunity, when it is their turn," said Adrian Dix, minister of health.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said BC is moving into Phase 3 because more vaccines are becoming available.

She added: "Every vaccine delivered makes all of us safer – let's keep our momentum going and get everyone who wants one, their first dose by Canada Day."

The province also said it will reveal more information about plans to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine through pharmacies across BC.

People aged between 55 and 65 in the Lower Mainland are currently eligible to book an appointment through participating pharmacies to receive the vaccine.

For more, head to: gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated