4.2M British Columbians vaccinated against COVID-19

It’s been one year since the COVID-19 vaccines have become available in British Columbia, and to date, a vast majority of the population has chosen to get a dose.

On Dec. 15, 2020, the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was administered in B.C. to Nisha Yunus, a long-term care aide.

Since then, more than 8.3-million vaccines have been administered to British Columbians aged 12 and over. As of Monday, Dec. 14, 91.5 per cent of eligible residents (4.2-million people) have received one dose of a vaccine, and 88.5 per cent (4.1-million) have been double dosed.

Vaccinations opened to children aged five to 11 years old on Nov. 30, 2021. Data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control says as Thursday, Dec. 9, 15 per cent of B.C. children in that age group have received one dose. The number of vaccines administered to that age group was not disclosed.

The BCCDC also notes that 13 per cent of British Columbians aged 12 and over have received a third dose of a vaccine.

“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.”

The province continues to promote the vaccine, as the BCCDC’s data shows that people who are unvaccinated are 56 times more likely to end up in critical care due to COVID-19 complications when compared to someone who has received two doses.