A number of parents are reporting difficulties in finding the right resources to have their complex children vaccinated. ImmunizeBC has set up a system to support families getting the information they need to access vaccinations against COVID-19. Please see the below for contact information in each region.
December 22, 2021
To: Families, Caregivers and Service Providers for Children with Neurodivergence Disorders
Re: COVlD-19 Vaccination
Dear Family Members, Caregivers and Service Providers,
As the lead of lmmunize BC, I am anxious to ensure children with neurodivergence disorders are able to access appropriate settings and environments for their vaccination. Based on the direction of the Provincial Health Office, we are strongly encouraging all children who are eligible (those 5-11 years of age) to be vaccinated.
Our program and the Health Authorities across the province are aware of the need for more support to this group of children and their families and caregivers. We have discussed this at our Leadership committee and provisions are being made, if needed by a family or caregiver, to access special supports for the vaccination process. Below is a table which provides contact numbers for each Health Authority that can be used by parents, other caregivers or service providers where special clinic arrangements or support may be required. It may well not be necessary for all children and we have already successfully vaccinated a number of children in this group. However, please make use of this if you feel it would help make the experience more positive for your child.
| Health Authority: | Phone Number & Operating Hours: |
|---|---|
| Fraser Health | 1-855-412-2121 (8:30am – 9pm, 7 days a week) |
| Interior Health | 1-833-469-9806 (Voicemail only and call back) |
| Northern Health | 1-844-645-7811 (10am – 10pm, 7 days a week ) |
| Vancouver Coastal Health | 1-604-263-7377 (8:30am – 4:30pm, Mon-Fri) |
| Vancouver Island Health | 1-888-533 -2273 – Option 1, Community Health Services (8:30am – 4:30pm, 7 days a week) |
Please contact the Health Authority with any questions and feel free to access the government website which has extensive information about COVID-19 immunizations (gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated). Thank you so much for your support of the Immunize BC Program.
Best regards,
Penny Ballem MD FRCP FCAHS
Senior Executive Lead
Immunize BC