Posted on: November 12, 2021
Immunize BC is undertaking a COVID-19 booster program in BC, with eligibility is based on risk, including: at-risk groups, age, interval between dose 1 & 2, and time since second 
dose. Currently, booster shots are being offered to those ages 70+, Indigenous peoples ages 18+, and populations that received their second dose on/before March 15, 2021 - including some health-care workers.
Health-care workers in specific settings are a priority for a booster shot, and will be invited to get a vaccine between now and the end of January.
In order to receive an invitation for your booster dose when you become eligible, you must be registered on the Get Vaccinated online system AND you will need to self-identify as a health care worker on the Get Vaccinated system in one of the following five categories:
- Category 1: Long Term Care/Assisted Living Staff, Physicians and Workers - includes everyone working on site in LTC and AL sites
- Category 2: Hospital Critical Care/Emergency Department/Medicine Staff, Physicians and Workers – all individuals working in the listed care areas (Critical Care, Emergency and Medicine wards) in acute care hospitals
- Category 3: Other Hospital Staff, Physicians and Workers – all individuals working in other care areas of the hospital not covered by category 2, as well as any corporate/administrative staff working on site in the hospital
- Category 4: Health Authority Community Staff, Physicians and Workers – this includes all Health Authority care staff, professionals and workers working in non-hospital areas and includes all other Health Authority administrative, corporate staff who are not included in categories 1, 2 or 3 above
- Category 5: Other Community Staff, Physicians and Workers –this includes all non-Health Authority health providers, staff and other workers in the community health sector
Please complete the actions listed below under “What you need to do" ASAP, so that you get an invite when it's your time to book.
Drop-ins for booster doses are not permitted. Invites will be sent out based on eligibility and we ask for your patience while awaiting your invite.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW
1. Starting immediately all health-care workers and health-care employees can self-identify as a health-care worker. CLICK HERE and have the following info handy to complete this:
- PHN (Personal Health Number, found on the back of your Driver's License or CareCard)
- Date of Birth
- Date of a previous COVID-19 vaccine (either Dose 1 or Dose 2)
- Target Population Access Code: Y6383E!
(Note: if you are not yet registered on the Get Vaccinated provincial website, you will be redirected there to do so before you can complete this step.)
2. You will then be redirected to a second page to indicate which specific category you fall into, and certify that the information provided is accurate. If any of the info you enter does not match what is on file, you may be redirected to contact the call centre to verify your information.
3. Once complete, you are identified in the system and will be invited when it's your turn to book an appointment. Please await your invite and do not call the call centre.
THE SELF-ID LINK AND ACCESS CODE
This self-identification link and access code are intended ONLY for health-care workers. By choosing to self-identify, you are acknowledging that you have received this code from Island Health.
This link and code are not transferrable. If the code is mis-used it will be cancelled and the ability to continue with the vaccination through this program may be compromised. Anyone booking an appointment who is not an eligible member of this group will be turned away at the clinic.
FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Anyone arriving who is not eligible for a booster will be turned away
- Please do not attend the clinic if you are feeling unwell, experiencing COVID symptoms, or if you have been asked by Public Health to self-isolate
- Please bring:
-
- your driver's license or other photo ID
- personal health number/BC Services Card, if you have one
- Employee ID, badge or paystub, if you have one
- You will be provided with a medical mask and reminded to follow physical distancing guidelines while at the clinic
- After you receive your vaccination, please plan to stay on site for 15 minutes to ensure you experience no adverse effects
Visit the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website for information related to:
- Resources for health professionals
- Vaccine safety and effectiveness
- B.C.'s plan for vaccine distribution
- Vaccine approval process
- Overview of COVID-19 in B.C.