The Province of British Columbia will launch an intensive effort to get the word and the jabs out on vaccinations, with Doctor Bonnie Henry and Doctor Penny Ballem outlining the plans for an August blitz to get anyone who wants to be vaccinated in a line at a range of vaccination opportunities.
The program which launched yesterday and set to last until the end of August with British Columbia vaccination teams to spread out across the province to attend community events, making use of vax vans and mobile clinics to get more people vaccinated with their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Health officials note that while registration and booking using the provincial Get Vaccinated system is still encouraged, these events will allow eligible people to walk-in and receive a vaccine without a scheduled appointment.
“The rollout of mass COVID-19 vaccinations for B.C. has been the effort of a lifetime, and this accomplishment is shared by every health-care worker who has helped us stay safe, every front-line worker who has kept our communities going and every person in B.C. who has chosen to be vaccinated – I am thankful to each and every one of you. For those who have not yet been vaccinated, it is easier than ever to get your first or second dose. Join the millions of people in our province who have taken this step, not just for themselves, but for their larger community." -- Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer.
In addition to the regional events hosted by health authorities, the Vax for BC program will also include the first provincewide Walk-in Wednesday.
On Aug. 4, 2021, clinics throughout the province will reserve approximately 20,000 doses for walk-in vaccinations for anyone 12 years and older still needing their first dose or people eligible to receive their second dose.
Data from the BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) shows that less than 5% of COVID-19 cases from June 15 to July 15 were among fully vaccinated people. In addition, during the same time period, 78% of people hospitalized in B.C. with COVID-19 were unvaccinated.
Dr. Penny Ballem, B.C.’s immunization lead paid tribute to those involved in the vaccination program to date and noted how the push through August will serve to get vaccinations to more British Columbians.
“I want to express my gratitude to the health authority teams and community partners for their exceptional efforts in delivering our vaccination program throughout the province. And during the next push, there will be even more convenient opportunities for people to get a life-saving vaccine to protect yourself and those around you.”
While the Prince Rupert area experienced strong results from the community wide vaccination programs of March and June, other areas of Northern Health's service area have not kept the pace of good vaccination levels, with the Northern Health region home to the largest percentage of British Columbians who are unvaccinated.
It's those residents in those areas of the Northern Health region where health officials will be putting the bulk of their focus during the month long blitz.
Among the communities for some additional focus is the Terrace area which will see a community clinic take place today, in addition to a chance to get a vacation the event will feature live music, door prizes and free food.
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