The province is reporting a sharp increase in the number of people under the age of 40 who have signed up for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine since it announced a vaccine passport will be required to access some services, businesses, and events.
The Ministry of Health reports that on Monday, it saw a 174.8% increase in daily registrations and bookings for first doses jumped 88.6%. On Tuesday, there was a 201.3% increase in daily registrations and a 124.4% increase in bookings compared to the previous Tuesday.
In the past two days, 12,904 people under the age of 40 have registered to get their shot. 11,301 people under 40 have booked appointments. This compares to 4,161 registrations and 5,077 appointment bookings for people under 40 during the same period last week.
Clinics are also accepting walk-in vaccine traffic
The spike follows the announcement of a vaccine passport in the province.
People 12 years of age and over will need a B.C. vaccine card to get into restaurants, movie theatres, ticketed indoor events like concerts and even pools and gyms.
The order from the provincial health officer will require proof of vaccination with a first dose by Sept. 13, and a second dose by Oct. 24.
"Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can all take to move out of this pandemic, and the momentum this week is positive news," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "I am pleased that people are heeding our call to roll up their sleeve to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But there's more work to do, and I encourage everyone to make the best choice to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community — get vaccinated."
