Clinically extremely vulnerable people in BC can register for COVID-19 vaccine next week

People in British Columbia that are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are being prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination and will be able to register starting next week.

The Ministry of Health made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon. Those that identify as CEV are at higher risk of COVID-19 due to existing medical conditions, such as different forms of cancer, transplant recipients, and those with severe respiratory conditions.

Affected individuals will be able to receive their first dose of the vaccine over the coming weeks and can register as of Monday, March 29. The ministry says that there are approximately 200,000 people in BC over the age of 16 that are clinically extremely vulnerable.

“BC has made tremendous progress on our age-based vaccine program,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a statement.

“Now, we are able to expand to those people who are at increased risk from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or various medical treatments. Clinical experts have now determined those who have a high risk of severe illness from the virus and now have the vaccine supply to protect these most vulnerable people.”

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People who have been identified as CEV will receive a letter in the mail with information on how to book an appointment. They’ll also be required to bring the letter with them to their vaccination appointment.

Anyone who believes they are CEV who has not received a letter by April 15 can contact the provincial call centre or use the online booking system, which will launch on April 6.

The CEV-based vaccination strategy will run parallel to the age-based immunization approach as well as the priority vaccinations for frontline workers.