Today marks one year since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in British Columbia.
On December 14th, 2020, the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the province and the following day, long-term care aide Nisha Yunus became the first person in BC to get vaccinated.
“While the global pandemic continues to challenge us in ways we had never imagined, I’ve been amazed at how British Columbians rolled up their sleeves to keep each other safe,” said Premier John Horgan.
“Since we began the largest immunization program in our province’s history, the vast majority of people have stepped up and done their part. By remaining vigilant, continuing to follow public health orders and getting vaccinated, we will get through this together.”
Since then, more than 4.2 million British Columbians have joined Yunus in getting at least their first dose, which means that 91.5 per cent of eligible people 12 and older have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — 88.5% have since received their second dose.
Vaccination opened to children aged five to 11 years old on November 30th, 2021.
More than 589,000 people have received a third or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine to date, which is expected to protect against the Omicron variant.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the health care workers who have helped people get vaccinated over the past year,” said Premier Horgan.
“We all want to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families. The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, and is bringing us one step further in putting the pandemic behind us.”
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC residents who have not been vaccinated are 56 times more likely to end up in critical care due to COVID-19 than people who have received two vaccine doses.
As of this publication, there are 2,949 active COVID-19 cases in BC with 764 of those being in the Island Health region.
