Fraser Health Together

B.C.’s COVID-19 immunization plan is expanding. Help us get our seniors immunized against COVID-19. Spread the word to seniors in the community that they will soon be invited to book their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People will be invited to book based on the age they are turning in 2021 (e.g. if you are turning 90 sometime this year, you will be invited to book with the 90 and older group, and so on.)

Booking will be able to be done by phone or online, starting Monday, March 8 (please do not attempt to call or book before that date).

Fraser Health COVID-19 Immunization Booking phone line: 1-855-755-2455

If you live in Fraser Health*, you may also book online at Fraserhealth.ca/vaccinebooking

Please note: These services are for first dose vaccine appointment bookings, and are only available for Fraser Health* residents aged 80 and older, and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) aged 65 years and older at this time.

*Fraser Health region communities include: Abbotsford, , , , , , Delta, Fraser Valley Regional District, , Hope, Kent, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, , , , , Surrey and White Rock.

Indigenous COVID-19 immunization clinics

In partnership with First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation , Friendship Centres and other community organizations, COVID-19 immunization clinics with cultural supports are available for those who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) individuals 65 years of age or older, and Indigenous Elders. Fraser Health Together

Booking your COVID-19 vaccine appointment

Before calling the phone line, please have:

 Pen and paper  Your personal health number  Full name  Date of birth  Postal code

A phone number that you can receive text messages on or an email address that you or your family check often, in case we need to send you important information.

Our call centre agents will never ask you for financial information, including credit card information.

If you have medical questions about the vaccine, please speak with your family physician, nurse practitioner or call Fraser Health’s Virtual Care team at 1-800-314-0999 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, or call 8-1-1 outside of those hours.

If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or visit www.bccdc.ca/covid19

What you need to do to prepare for your appointment:

 Read the COVID-19 Vaccine Health File: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/hlbc/files/documents/healthfiles/hfile124.pdf  Bring your BC Services Card/Personal Health Number and photo ID, if you have them.  Wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask, we can give you one.

Your appointment will take about 20 to 25 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.

Thank you for doing your part to contribute to COVID-19 immunity in our community!

The COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved by Health Canada are safe, effective and will save lives. Vaccines do more than protect the people getting vaccinated, they also protect everyone around them. The more people in a community who are immunized and protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for COVID-19 to spread.

Reminder: Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders and guidelines remain in place for everyone, regardless if they have received the vaccine. Please continue to practice COVID-19 safety behaviours, such as, avoiding gatherings, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, cleaning your hands often, coughing and sneezing into your elbow and keeping two-metres apart from others.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is the best source of COVID-19 vaccine information.

When and how will other groups be able to register to get immunized?

Details about the registration process for additional groups will be made available in the coming weeks. Visit the Province of British Columbia's website for more details. Fraser Health Together

Why should I get the vaccine?

Community (herd) immunity could be reached when a large majority of people in B.C. are immunized against COVID-19. When you choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19, you are helping save lives by protecting your household and your entire community from the virus.

We all need to continue to protect each other by taking the measures we know work to prevent transmission of this virus, like washing our hands, staying home when we’re sick, staying physically distant from people we don’t know, and wearing a mask in public indoor spaces.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be free for everyone in British Columbia.

For general information about the vaccine visit gov.bc.ca/covidvaccine or bccdc.ca/covid19.