It appears the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine card program in British Columbia is already having the desired effect.
The government says there has been a significant increase in the number of vaccine registrations and bookings for first doses, particularly among people under the age of 40.
It says on Monday, Aug. 23 – the day the vaccine card program was announced – there were 8,909 new registrations and 7,347 new appointments booked. That is a 174.8 per cent increase in daily registrations and an 88.6 per cent daily increase in bookings compared to the previous Monday, which saw 3,242 new registrations and 3,896 bookings.
The next day, on August 24, there were 10,175 total new registrations and 9,486 new appointments booked. That is a 201.3 per cent increase in registrations and a 124.4 per cent increase in bookings compared to the previous Tuesday, which saw 3,279 new registrations and 4,228 appointments booked.
“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can all take to move out of this pandemic, and the momentum this week is positive news,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said.
“I am pleased that people are heeding our call to roll up their sleeve to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But there’s more work to do, and I encourage everyone to make the best choice to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community – get vaccinated.”
When only considering people under the age of 40, in the past two days there have been 12,904 people who have registered for a COVID-19 vaccine while 11,301 people have booked appointments. That, the government says, compares to 4,161 registrations and 5,077 appointments booked for people under 40 during the same two day period last week.
“B.C. has enough vaccines for everyone who is eligible, and there are lots of opportunities to get your shot,” added Dr. Penny Ballem, the head of B.C.’s Immunization Program. “You can walk in, book an appointment or visit any of our pop-up clinics.”
As it stands, people will need to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they want to attend some non-essential social and recreational events or to eat at restaurants or go to the movies after September 13. They will have to be fully vaccinated by October 24.
A secure weblink will be up and running before Sept. 13, where people will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination. People will be able to save a copy to their phones to use. People who cannot access their records online will be given a secure alternative option, officials said.
The measures are set to be in place until January 31, 2022, though it could be extended further, if needed.
For more on the announcement from the government, including a full list of businesses and events that will require proof of vaccination, go here.
