Vaccine appointments to start this week: Northern Health

As Phase two of BC’s vaccination plan continues, Northern Health is reminding residents to look up community-specific information to avoid confusion.

In Prince George, Northern Health is currently booking appointments for those over the age of 80, and Indigenous people 65 and up for appointments at the Civic Centre.

Spokesperson Eryn Collins says Northern Health is seeing variations compared to the provincial plan, due to things like outbreaks, geography, vaccine supply and other timelines.

Currently, due to the number of people eligible under phase two, the Civic Centre has the capacity to immunize around 200 people a day.

Collins says this number will increase as the province moves into phase three, and more people become elligible.

“It’s what they are starting with,” she said.

“As it opens up, that capacity will increase dramatically, I expect.”

Collins says the health authority expects to immunize around 3,000 people in the Prince George area under Phase 2.

Phase 2 clinics are running from March 16 to April 10.

Those in Phase 2 receiving their first vaccine dose in March and early April include:

• Seniors aged 80+ (born in or before 1941) who are not yet immunized
• Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) aged 65+, Elders (born in or before 1956), and additional communities not yet immunized
• Hospital staff, community GPs and medical specialists not yet immunized
• Vulnerable populations in select congregated settings
• Staff in community home support and nursing for seniors

Appointments are expected to take around ten minutes, with an additional 15 minute wait time before leaving the venue.

“Due to the complexity of Northern geography, logistics, outbreaks, vaccine supply, and other factors, changes to timelines and the plan may be made as required,” says the Northern Health website.

View community-specific information here:

How to book:

You can call 1-844-255-7555 from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week to schedule an appointment.

For more information, what you should have ready, and step-by-step instructions on how to call to book an appointment please visit the BC Seniors First website.