The Skeena
It’s official: the Skeena is finally getting vaccinated. The first Pfizer-BioNTech doses were given to health workers and high-risk residents in Smithers and Houston last week. Vaccination campaigns are also underway in Terrace, Prince Rupert and other places throughout the region.
The burning question on everyone’s mind: when will my family and I get vaccinated?
The BC Government has attempted to answer that question with a new infographic.
Unsurprisingly, it could be a while before younger people receive a COVID vaccine. From now until the end of March, the focus is on the “high-risk population”, which includes “residents, staff and essential visitors to long-term care and assisted living,” “remote and isolated Indigenous communities,” “seniors aged 80+ who are not yet immunized”, “vulnerable populations in select congregated settings” and others.
When April hits, people in the general population below age 80 will start receiving it. Each group is organized around five-year increments. So that means the age group 79 to 75 will get the vaccine, followed by 74 to 70, and on and on until everyone is vaccinated.
But it probably won’t be until July that people age 59 and younger get the COVID protection, and potentially September for those below age 30.
All this is just an estimate for now, however. “Our timeline is dependent on vaccine supply,” the government explains. “But our plan makes sure everyone the vaccine is recommended for has the opportunity to get it by September 2021.”
So that’s the bad news: ending the pandemic will still take some time. But the good news is that we’re getting closer every day.
as having a 16 year daughter who has a compromised immune system. I don’t understand where we fit. She has complex high needs, completely dependent on areas of living. But according to this chart it feels like we are left out again. Families not considered vulnerable in having children with disabilities in phase 2. You would think because of her challenges at least me and her dad would be eligible in phase 2. What happens to her if we aren’t available to take care of her?
As I understand, in cases of people immune compromised, the medical personnel- your doctor- needs to assess them to see if they are a candidate for vaccine or if it would potentially be a risk for them. In the other hand I feel you, as a caregiver, need to be bumped up the line. (Just my opinion)
I’m interested to know where you’re getting this information since even doctors and nurses in the clinics don’t know when they will get vaccinated let alone their high risk patients.
Hey there Barb! All the information we published on timing is from B.C. Government Public Safety and Emergency Prepareness. Here is the link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/vaccines
PS. We hear from the grapevine that you are an awesome human being! Keep up the good fight.
Not sure how how you contact people but here,s my new email address…..from what I read here, I
will be top priority, bacause of my age, 86, I also have compromised lungs from sarcoidosis…
Hi Alie, contact us at [email protected]. We’ll see if we can put someone in touch with you.
Dear Alie – if you contact us at [email protected] with your phone number, we will have someone contact you directly with the information. And chat with you to see if there is anything else you need.