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:

CommunityClinic weeksCall–in Date
Hudson’s HopeApril 5 and April 1218+ March 26 (today)
ChetwyndApril 5 and April 1918+ March 27
Fort St. JamesApril 5 and April 1218+ March 27
Burns LakeApril 5 and April 1218+ March 29
SouthsideApril 12 and April 1918+ March 29
Tumbler RidgeApril 12 and April 2618+ April 1
Fraser LakeApril 12 and April 1918+ April 2
MackenzieApril 12 and April 1918+ April 4
McBrideApril 19 and April 2618+ April 2
ValemountApril 19 and April 2618+ 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.