BC Government News Release: BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan

B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan is designed to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19.  B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan happens in four phases. The phased approach is based on expert advice and guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), B.C.’s Immunization Committee and the public health leadership committee. NACI recommends certain populations receive prioritization for early COVID-19 vaccination. Eligibility for all phases is based on the age you are turning in 2021.

Ethical approach

B.C. is committed to an ethical approach to immunization phases. The COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed equitably and ethically to people in B.C. following national ethical frameworks and BCCDC’s COVID-19 Ethical Decision-Making Framework.

Moving Between Phases

The timeline for B.C.’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is dependent on vaccine supply and availability. The federal government is working to obtain as much vaccine as possible to distribute to provinces and territories.

It’s important to understand the timeline for each phase may change due to vaccine availability. All people in B.C. recommended to receive the vaccine will have the opportunity to get it in 2021.

You will not miss your chance to the get the vaccine when a new phase starts. Once you become eligible, you are always eligible. For example:

• If you are in Phase 2, you can get the vaccine in Phase 3 or Phase 4
• If you are in Phase 3, you can get the vaccine in Phase 4

Phase 1 and Phase 2: High-risk population immunization

The focus of Phase 1 and Phase 2 is protecting those most vulnerable to severe illness first.

Phase 3 and Phase 4: General population immunization

Vaccination for the general population runs April to September 2021. Vaccines will primarily be distributed in five year age increments, starting with the 79 to 75 age group. Monthly breakdowns for the first dose (D1) and second dose (D2) are estimates and may change based on vaccine availability.

See full details: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/vaccines