By Laura Keil
Starting April 2nd (REVISED DATE), everyone age 18+ in Valemount, McBride and other select northern communities will be eligible to call and book an COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Residents should call 1-866-481-2175 to book their appointment. Hours: 7 am to 7 pm PST, daily.
Northern Health says it continues to adjust COVID-19 vaccine appointment eligibilities and clinic dates, as BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan moves forward ahead of schedule.
Currently, northern residents born in 1947 or earlier (74+), and Indigenous peoples 55+ can call to book their vaccine appointment. Once you’re eligible, you are always eligible.
Northern Health has already been vaccinating, or booking vaccinations, for people over the age of 18 in the following communities (regions): Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, Stewart, Dease Lake, Granisle, Hazelton and Houston and will soon be opening its call centres and clinics to all residents on the following dates:
| Community | Clinic weeks | Call–in Date |
| Hudson’s Hope | April 5 and April 12 | 18+ March 26 (today) |
| Chetwynd | April 5 and April 19 | 18+ March 27 |
| Fort St. James | April 5 and April 12 | 18+ March 27 |
| Burns Lake | April 5 and April 12 | 18+ March 29 |
| Southside | April 12 and April 19 | 18+ March 29 |
| Tumbler Ridge | April 12 and April 26 | 18+ April 1 |
| Fraser Lake | April 12 and April 19 | 18+ April 2 |
| Mackenzie | April 12 and April 19 | 18+ April 4 |
| McBride | April 19 and April 26 | 18+ April 2 |
| Valemount | April 19 and April 26 | 18+ April 2 |
Northern Health said the ‘whole community’ approach to vaccinating residents all at once is due to population size, remoteness, logistics, and/or accessibility – and these can be expanded to address outbreaks, clusters or high population incidence rates.
The Northern Health call centre to book COVID-19 appointments, based on age range and local eligibility, continues to operate 7am to 7pm PST, seven days a week. Clinic dates and locations will be confirmed at the time of booking.
For up to date information anytime, visit Northern Health website’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan page, as well as local Northern Health Community Facebook groups.
