BCNU Calls for Inclusivity as Province Outlines COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

The BC Nurses' Union is pleased to hear that many nurses working in long-term care, emergency rooms, intensive care units and high-risk medical units will be included in the first phase of the province's COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

BCNU has heard the valid concerns from members in northern parts of BC who are worried geography could hinder their chances of getting vaccinated in this first rollout phase. Work is underway with the Ministry of Health to ensure nurses in high-risk settings outside of the Metro Vancouver region are considered in the program's outreach plans. The province says the first round of approximately 4,000 COVID-19 immunizations will begin on the Lower Mainland next week now that vaccine deployment simulations are complete.

BCNU president Christine Sorensen says that implementing this immunization program will be the most challenging task this province has ever faced, and it will take time before the vaccine is available to everyone. In the meantime, the union will continue to advocate that nurses in all health care settings have access to the vaccine when it arrives, and that they are able to make a decision that's best for them.

The developments this week have brought hope to what has been a very difficult year for nurses and health care workers around the province. BCNU is reminding everyone of the importance of following public health guidelines and doing their part to keep themselves and nurses safe.

Watch for a BCNU position statement on vaccinations coming very soon.