COVID-19 vaccine information

Here’s how to prepare for your appointment:

• Read the COVID-19 Vaccine Health File. Your immunizer will also go over this information and answer any of your questions.
• Bring your BC Services Card/Personal Health Number and photo ID, if you have them.
• Wear clothing that allows access to your upper shoulder area.
• Wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide you with one.

Your appointment will take about 30 minutes.

Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell, experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache), or if you have been asked to self-isolate. If you need to cancel, phone the call centre to reschedule you appointment.

Important reminder: Public health orders remain in effect for everyone, including those who have received their vaccine. Please continue to avoid gatherings, wear masks, avoid non-essential travel and practice good hand hygiene and physical distancing.

People aged 16 to 74 who are determined to be part of the clinically extremely vulnerable group will receive an invitation letter in the mail signed by Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. Letters will be mailed starting March 24. Everyone should receive their letter by April 15.

The letter will be mailed to your home address on file with your Personal Health Number. Appointments can be booked starting March 29 after you receive your letter. You will need to bring this letter with you to your appointment.

Before you book, please review the BCCDC information on Vaccinations for special patient populations to help you plan your vaccine with considerations for your health condition.

If you have not received your patient letter by April 15, it may be because:

• You recently moved to B.C.
• You received treatment in another province
• You didn’t get medication through The BC PharmaNet system
• Your home address on file is outdated

Starting April 15, you can try booking an appointment using the online Get Vaccinated registration and booking tool or call centre. Using your Personal Health Number, the registration system or phone agent will confirm if you’re eligible. 

If the registration system doesn’t confirm your eligibility and you believe you should be included on the clinically extremely vulnerable list, contact your doctor or primary care provider. They will help you. 

More information is available at the Government of BC vaccines for people who are extremely vulnerable page.

The provincial COVID-19 vaccine roll-out includes special coordination for rural and
remote communities. Find eligible communities on our Taking a community approach page. People may be expected to provide identification to prove they reside in the applicable region.

For information on health-care worker eligibility, please see our Vaccine Information for Health-Care Worker page. Health-care workers should not phone the call centre to register.

Front-line priority workers

Starting in April, front-line priority workers can receive their first dose of vaccine. Front-line priority workers identified by public health currently include:

• First responders (police, firefighters, emergency transport)
•  K to 12 educational staff
• Child care staff
• Grocery store workers
• Postal workers
• Bylaw and quarantine officers
• Manufacturing workers
• Wholesale/warehousing employees
• Staff living in congregate housing at places like ski hills
• Correctional facilities staff
• Cross-border transport staff
• Sectors or settings prioritized due to outbreak response (currently happening)

If you are a front-line priority worker, do not call Interior Health or our call centre. All vaccine appointments will be organized by employers. Appointment information will be communicated clearly and directly to each sector and employer. 

In March and April, COVID-19 immunizations are being provided to people receiving long-term home support, and people who receive services through Community Living B.C. We are also working with the provincial government and local partners to provide immunizations to those living and working in:

• Independent living
• Seniors supportive living settings
• Shelters
• Adult group homes
• Correctional facilities

Interior Health is now in phase 2 of the immunization plan. Please refer to the B.C. Government’s immunization plan for approximate timelines of all phases.

If you missed your opportunity to be immunized in an earlier phase, you are always eligible and may register for your immunization appointment in later phases.

Talk to a Service BC agent about non-health related information and services.

Text: 1-604-630-0300

Dial: 1-888-COVID19

Service is available 7:30 am to 8 pm. Standard message and data rates may apply.

You can also use the Digital Agent (visible in the lower left corner of this website) to chat online about COVID-19.

Immunize BC is a trusted source of information on the COVID-19 vaccines.

Yes, Interior Health is currently asking qualified clinicians (including retired physicians, pharmacists and nurses) who are interested in being immunizers and supporting the vaccination campaign to submit their contact information through our Online Immunizer Form.

A number of rural and remote communities are eligible for community specific clinics. Please visit our page Taking a Community Specific Approach for a list of these communities.

People aged 55 to 65 (born in 1956 to 1966) may get the AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine at eligible pharmacies with vaccine supply.

The participating pharmacies are listed on the BC Pharmacy Association website. The list of pharmacies will be updated regularly.

Please ensure you bring your personal health number, which is found on the BC Services Card or CareCard.

Appointments at eligible pharmacies cannot be booked through the Get Immunized COVID-19 vaccine appointment booking phone line/online booking tool.