FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Stepped up booster shot availability will protect those who are most vulnerable in our province — including care staff & seniors”
Burnaby, B.C. (October 27, 2021) – The province’s leading sector representative for seniors’ care and living thanks the B.C. Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Officer for Tuesday’s COVID-19 immunization plan update. BC Care Providers Association and EngAge BC are pleased that the Health ministry announcement includes next steps to provide vaccine booster shots to seniors living in independent living residences, and healthcare staff who received doses of the vaccine in a “short interval.”
“Vulnerable seniors living in long-term care and assisted living were rightly prioritized for COVID-19 booster shots, and turning the focus next to independent living residents, seniors in the community and care home staff is an important next step,” says Terry Lake, CEO of BC Care Providers Association and EngAge BC. “Our members who provide long-term care, home health, assisted and independent living are grateful that the booster shots are arriving soon for everyone who wants one.”
COVID-19 booster doses are underway for priority groups which includes residents of long-term care and assisted living residences. Prioritizing B.C.’s elderly and most at-risk (such as independent living residents, and healthcare staff —including in LTC/AL— whose 1st and 2nd shots were given in “short intervals” at the start of the vaccine program) will continue through to the December holiday, when the booster program expands to other population groups in the New Year. People 70+ who are registered in the Get Vaccinated System will soon be invited to book their booster, which will help maintain protection against COVID-19.
“BCCPA and EngAge BC would like to thank Minister Dix and Drs. Henry and Ballem for the work being done by the Ministry to coordinate theses booster shots to those in our community needing them most,” adds Lake. “It is a critical step toward putting the pandemic behind us here in B.C.”
Boosters will be delivered in health authority public-health community clinics and by participating pharmacies around the province. As with Dose 1 and 2, people who are registered with the Get Vaccinated System will receive an invitation to book their booster shot when it’s their turn. People can use their invitation to schedule their booster appointment in health authority clinics or at participating pharmacies. The call centre will also continue to be available for those who can’t book online. Walk-ins are not available for booster shots.
Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0189-002044
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Michelle Ho
Digital Media and Communications Specialist
About BC Care Providers Association & EngAge BC
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 425 long-term care, assisted living, and commercial members from across British Columbia. Through its operating arm EngAge BC the organization represents independent living and home health service providers.
