COVID-19 Info & Updates

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, we are doing our very best to keep Federation members informed and up-to-date. We are in constant communication with our government colleagues and sector allies and will be posting updates and information regularly.

We understand very well that supporting the health and welfare of vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic requires balancing safety measures to prevent transmission against the risks of reducing or withdrawing essential services such as residential programs, mental health supports, housing/shelter, food security, overdose prevention, and harm reduction.

Below is information and updates about BC’s COVID-19 immunization plan, recent program and policy updates from MCFD, CLBC, and MSDPR, and other resources. Information specific to Federation member organizations can be found on the member’s page of our website (click Members or Login in the top right corner of this page).

Female nurse visiting senior patient for checking blood pressure

COVID-19 Immunization Rollout Plan

Immunization Plan

BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan happens in four phases. The phased approach is based on expert advice and guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), BC’s Immunization Committee and the public health leadership committee. Eligibility for all phases is based on the age you are or will be turning in 2021.

View vaccination progress on the BCCDC COVID-19 dashboard

The fastest way to register is online. To register, people need their personal health number (found on their CareCard or on the back of their driver’s licence or BC Services Card), their postal code, first and last name, date of birth and an email address that gets checked regularly or a phone number that can receive text messages. You can find more information here.

How to Get Vaccinated

You can register yourself or someone else, like a parent, grandparent or child. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to book an appointment using your confirmation number. Booking an appointment online or by phone is easy, convenient and guarantees your vaccination at the clinic. If needed, you can easily reschedule your appointment online.

I need to get vaccinated

Sustained Protection

B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan is designed to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19. The next phase of the plan is focused on sustained protection for everyone.

Dose 3 for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems will receive a third dose of vaccine.Review dose 3 criteria.

Booster dose

Everyone 18 and older will be invited to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.Learn more about boosters

Vaccines for children 5 to 11

Parents who register their child will be invited to book an appointment. Health authorities are operating child-friendly clinics, with extended hours after school and in the evenings. Learn more about vaccines for children ages 5 to 11.

Proof of vaccination requirement

By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses. Getting vaccinated keeps everyone in B.C. safe and stops the spread of COVID-19. Starting September 13, you must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. By October 24, you must be fully vaccinated.

The requirement applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+) and covers:

Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
Nightclubs and casinos
Movie theatres
Gyms, pools and recreation facilities
Indoor high intensity group exercise
Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities
Does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs

The requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to extension.

BC’s Vaccine Card

You’ll be able to show your proof of vaccination easily using the BC vaccine card website. The secure website will be available for September 13 and will provide confidential access to your proof of vaccination.

You’ll be able to save your vaccine card to your smartphone and show it when accessing events, services and businesses. A secure paper option will also be available for September 13.

Everything you need to know about proof of vaccination and the BC Vaccine Card
Get your BC Vaccine Card here
If you believe your immunization record is wrong, you’ll need to get it updated—update your immunization record here.
Questions about the BC Vaccine Card answered (CBC News)

Government Policy & Program Updates

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, The Federation team is doing their very best to keep our membership informed and up-to-date. We are in constant contact with government colleagues, and sector allies, and our members and will continue to share updates and information regularly.

CLBC update for individuals and families regarding Omicron (Jan 2022)
Boosters available for pregnant people (Jan 2022)
Important information from CLBC for self-advocates and families on new PHO vaccination order (Nov 2021)
Provincial Health Officer response to requests to extend the mandatory vaccine order to the social services sector (Sept 2021)
Update from CLBC on COVID-19 vaccination requirements (Sept 2021)
Clarification on PHO order for long-term care home mandatory vaccinations (Aug 2021)
An important message from Dr. Bonnie Henry and self-advocates (July 2021)
Invite to COVID-19 telephone update with Minister Simons and Dr. Bonnie Henry (June 2021)
Join CLBC’s COVID-19 update for service providers and home-sharing providers (June 2021)
Join CLBC’s COVID-19 update for self-advocates and families (June 2021)

CLBC Update on COVID-19 vaccinations and information on second doses (May 2021)
Operational and COVID-19 updates from CLBC (April 2021)
Important update on COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC (April 2021)
Information on COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC (March 2021)
Information from CLBC on preparing for COVID-19 immunizations (Feb 2021)
Update from CLBC on COVID-19 responses, respite funding, grants, and program updates (Feb 2021)
Important update on ordering PPE through the COVID-19 Supply Hub (Feb 2021)
CLBC Update on Monthly Service Provider Community of Practice Sessions (Feb 2021)
Update from MCFD on the extension of supports for youth in care (Feb 2021)
Updated CLBC guidance on Critical Incident Reporting (Jan 2021)
Update from MSDPR on funding to help people with disabilities return to work (Jan 2021)

Federation Updates & Meetings

COVID-19 Member Calls

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, The Federation has been hosting weekly and/or bi-weekly calls with member organizations to identify emerging issues, raise concerns, share resources and questions. The meetings take place on Thursday mornings over Zoom.

A calendar of all upcoming ‘COVID-19 and Your Organization’ calls can be found on our webinar page. A summary of the discussion is emailed to Federation members and also posted on the Members section of our website along with a recording of the Zoom call.

PLEASE NOTE: These webinars are a safe space for members to share their concerns and questions. We ask that you be respectful of this fact in how you view and share what you hear.

View Upcoming COVID-19 Calls for Federation Members

Updates and Info for Federation Members

The Federation team continues to do our very best to keep our members and their staff informed and up-to-date about policies, programs, issues, funding, and vaccines. We are in constant communication with our government colleagues and sector allies and share updates and information regularly. Everything that can’t be shared publicly on this page—resources, recordings of meetings, slide decks, updates—can be found on our Members Page.

Visit the Members’ Page for all Updates, Info, and Resources

COVID-19 Public Updates

Federation Executive Director Rick FitzZaland sends regular updates to the membership on issues of concern and strategic initiatives. Over the past year, COVID-19 has been a recurring topic. Rick (and some guest authors, including Federation board members) have provided updated and information to member organizations throughout the pandemic. In addition to being emailed to our membership, these are also posted on our blog—some of those have been collected below.

5/6/2021: Register to get your COVID-19 Vaccine
3/17/2020: COVID-19 Update for Members
3/26/2020: COVID-19 Updates, Supports & Resources for Federation Members
4/2/2020: Social Services in a Time of Crisis
4/16/2020: On knowing how to do the right thing…
4/23/2020: COVID-19 Projects & Issues Update
5/7/2020: On Getting through this together
5/14/2020: Going Forward: Plans, Approaches, and Considerations
6/4/2020: COVID-19 Going Forward—Key Pieces of Information for Members
7/20/2020: Response Paper—Building BC’s Recovery, Together
8/13/2020: A commitment to caring
9/17/2020: Things to remember in tough times
12/17/2020: Reflecting on a year like no other…