Premier John Horgan is reaching out to community leaders this week to enlist their help as B.C. calls on all eligible people to register for their COVID-19 vaccine through B.C.’s Get Vaccinated online system.

“We’re expecting to get over one million doses of Pfizer in May and we need everyone in B.C. to register today so they’re ready to receive their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Premier Horgan. “Community leaders have played a critical role in spreading awareness about health guidelines and the vaccination roll out. With the influx of new vaccines, we once again will seek their guidance to make our program accessible and inform actions to better reach and register all British Columbians.”

This week Premier Horgan will meet virtually with dozens of community leaders – including Lower Mainland mayors, youth, non-profits, business leaders, academics, social media influencers, and faith leaders – to enlist their help in encouraging all community members to register for vaccination, especially in high transmission neighbourhoods.

“High case counts in the Lower Mainland and stretched intensive care units are putting incredible pressure on our health-care workers,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “All of the vaccines are safe and effective, and everyone aged 18 and older can register to receive one. We encourage everyone to register today and book an appointment to receive a shot at the first opportunity.”

More than 274,000 of Health Canada-approved doses are expected to be delivered this week to health authorities throughout B.C. – for a total of 1,236,570 over the month of May. Hot spots in Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health are hardest hit with higher case counts, and higher rates of intensive care unit (ICU) visits and hospitalization.

“We are at a crucial time in our pandemic, and I urge every adult in B.C. to register for a vaccine today, so they’re ready to get their vaccine right away,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. “As more vaccines become available in the coming weeks, this will be the fastest way to get your time booked and your vaccine. Being immunized is the best way to protect ourselves, and our communities and put this pandemic behind us.”

People can register for a vaccine in one of three ways:

• 24-7, online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.html
• by phone through a provincial call centre between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Pacific time), toll-free, at 1 833 838-2323
• in person at the nearest Service BC location

Once people are registered, they will get an email or text notification inviting them to book their vaccine appointment as soon as it’s their turn.

Translation is available in over 140 languages through the provincial call centre. People who do not have personal health numbers are eligible for a vaccine and can register through the call centre. Personal information will never be shared with any other agencies or parts of government.

Quick Facts:

• Since the Get Vaccinated provincial registration and booking system started on April 6, more than 2.1 million British Columbians have registered.
• As of May 3, 2021, more than 1.8 million people in B.C. have received their first vaccine dose, with that number increasing every day.

Learn More:

To learn more about when it is your turn to be immunized, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.html

For technical immunization information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine

For more information on what to expect when you go to get vaccinated for COVID-19, visit: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/getting-a-vaccine