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LIVE: B.C. gives more details on its immunization strategy for COVID-19. #COVID19BC https://www.pscp.tv/w/ctnAhzEyOTUwMTJ8MWt2SnBvVnJhcVFHRS3R9h0nQrk11jWSqcJZWm3_UEDGYZWoiRFcNQbHMltN
Premier Horgan kicks of the press conference: It has been an unprecedented year of hardship for many. Although the pandemic has hit us all really hard, it has not hit us equally. Approx 100,000 vaccinated so far #COVID19BC
Horgan: 1.3 million British Columbians to be vaccinated by end of September.
In March, we will start to register those who are eligible based on age. By April, large scale vaccination program will get underway “to get to everyone in every corner of British Columbia” #COVID19BC
In March, we will start to register those who are eligible based on age. By April, large scale vaccination program will get underway “to get to everyone in every corner of British Columbia” #COVID19BC
Horgan: Blaming the federal government will not get more vaccine to B.C. We have run into a “snaggle” in Europe because of production there. That is not Ottawa’s fault #cdnpoli #COVID19BC
Horgan: Science is taking a front row again in the United States, referencing the inaguration of President Biden
Dr. Henry says it's her pleasure to share this announcement of B.C.'s immunization strategy. Province will establish clinics across 172 communities that make up BC. #COVID19BC
Henry: From mid-December 2020 to the end of March, B.C expects to receive 792,675 doses of vaccine. The province will be able to add Astrazeneca and other vaccines that have not been approved yet to the plan, which does not account for those vaccines yet. #COVID19BC
BC population eligible for vaccination = 4,300,000 people.
Approx. 7.4M doses need administering to the population April–September. #COVID19BC
Approx. 7.4M doses need administering to the population April–September. #COVID19BC
Dr. Henry: The single greatest risk factor for severe illness and death from COVID-19 is increasing age.
The risk increases exponentially over 70 years-old. That's why B.C. will take the 'age-based approach' #COVID19BC
The risk increases exponentially over 70 years-old. That's why B.C. will take the 'age-based approach' #COVID19BC
Henry: Adults over 60 have 5 times more risk of hospitalization of those 45 and under, over 80 double the mortality risk. Single risk factor- diabetes, cardiac issues- more likely to have more severe illness and compounded by age #COVID19BC
Henry: We know there is a slightly increased risk with some underlying conditions, but overriding all of that is age. #COVID19BC
Dr. Ballem: B.C. is sharing its four-stage immunization plan. We're currently in Phase 1 #COVID19BC
Phase 1:
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities, assisted living residences + essential visitors
• Individuals assessed for and awaiting long-term care.
• heath care workers who work with COVID-19 patients
• Remote and isolated Indigenous communities.
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities, assisted living residences + essential visitors
• Individuals assessed for and awaiting long-term care.
• heath care workers who work with COVID-19 patients
• Remote and isolated Indigenous communities.
Phase 2:
- Seniors aged 80+ not immunized in phase 1.
- Indigenous seniors, age 65 and over
• Hospital staff, GPs and specialists not immunized in Phase 1.
• Vulnerable populations living in select congregated settings.
• Community home support and nurses caring for seniors
- Seniors aged 80+ not immunized in phase 1.
- Indigenous seniors, age 65 and over
• Hospital staff, GPs and specialists not immunized in Phase 1.
• Vulnerable populations living in select congregated settings.
• Community home support and nurses caring for seniors
Phase 3. April to June, 2021:
-Broaden reach in age increments of five- first shot in April, second dose in May #COVID19BC
-Broaden reach in age increments of five- first shot in April, second dose in May #COVID19BC
Phase 3 includes age 16-69 people who are “extremely clinically vulnerable.” This chart lists those categories #COVID19BC
Dr. Ballem on Phase 4: Through summer into September. There will likely be a few people waiting for second dose into October but significant levels of vaccination will have been achieved. #COVID19BC
Here is B.C.'s population breakdown by age
Dr. Ballem: mid-late Feb, we will be working to reach out to seniors and First Nations to explain pre-registration and access to clinics. There are still some people who are not comfortable registering online and there will be a phone line in place for those people #COVID19BC
Dr. Ballem: in phase 3 and 4, vaccinations will be in about 172 communities and they will be overseen by local Health Authorities. #COVID19BC
Dr. Ballem: Everybody who goes through this program will receive a paper copy of their vaccine record and can sign up for the provincial health gateway for a digital record #COVID19BC
Dr. Henry: The goal is to achieve community or herd immunity. Every time we immunize someone we are helping to save lives #COVID19BC
Horgan: receiving lots of mail with compelling arguments why their group should have priority vaccines but the science is clear that age is the dominant factor. We will continue with that criteria until supply is not an issue and amend plan when other vaccines are available
