B.C. vaccine card program extended into summer

British Columbians will continue to have to show proof of vaccination to get certain services, into the early summer.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told a news conference Tuesday, the B.C. vaccine card program will be extended until June 30, 2022.

“We need to continue the number of measures that we have in place in the community, and those have been working to mitigate the risk. We will be extending the B.C. vaccine card program to June 30, and it will continue to qualify for people over the age of 12,” Henry said.

The vaccine card has to be shown to get into indoor organized events, sporting activities and restaurants.

B.C.’s top doctor said there is a chance the card will no longer be needed before the end of June, if the situation with COVID-19 changes.

“If we are in a better place before June 30th, we will look to make adjustments earlier.”

Henry said while B.C. is seeing a gradual decline in case rates, there is still reason for the health and safety measures.

“The number of people in hospitals remains high and it’s the highest it’s been in our pandemic (989 as of Monday). And it’s putting significant strain on our health care system.”

Henry noted this Friday, Jan. 28, marks the second anniversary of B.C.’s first COVID-19 case.

“Omicron has forced us to respond differently and this is a transition, but I do believe we will have a gentler summer, and that we will get to a place where we will no longer need many of the measures and restrictions we have in place right now,” the doctor remarked.

Dr. Henry said she doesn’t expect the booster dose to be part of the vaccine card program for a number of reasons.

“Not everybody is yet eligible, or had the opportunity to receive their booster dose…so it wouldn’t make sense to make it a requirement. And it is much more important for us to make sure we have that six month interval [between the second and third shots] to provide the best and strongest protection.”

Henry also announced on Tuesday that youth sports tournaments can resume starting Feb. 1, but adult sports tournaments will remain shut down for now.

“Part of it [the difference between the two] is we know that adult tournaments at this time of the year tend to be a very important social event, and of course, that is a riskier situation.”