BC Senior’s Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie says BC’s elderly population is “relieved with a dash of caution” as the province dives deeper into the Provincial Vaccine Rollout program.
In March, BC residents age 75 to 79 will be able to pre-register for a vaccine 2-4 weeks before they are eligible for their appointment at one of the 173 vaccination clinics to be set up.
“Everyone is very optimistic and hopeful because the vaccine seems to be effective and we’re seeing the impacts of it in long term care, our outbreaks have dropped dramatically,” explained Mackenzie.
She noted that most BC seniors are well aware of the high risk the virus presents to their population and the possibility of getting vaccinated in the coming weeks has provided with a sense of relief.
“They know that the vaccine at this point in the pandemic is a great relief but not ending the need for some of the other precautions,” said Mackenzie.
According to Mackenzie, for many seniors in BC, the visitor restrictions at care homes have impacted their quality of life drastically.
“For those that do have close family that were very involved in their life, it’s been a very difficult year, they’ve endured significant separation for 3 months, most didn’t see their family at all,” she added.
However, now many seniors are hopeful that as more people get vaccinated, it will be easier for their family and friends to visit them.
According to Mackenzie, many seniors aged 80 and up don’t have transportation to and from the vaccination appointments but the province is offering home visits through the home and community care service.
Health Authorities will soon begin reaching out to seniors 80 years and older as well as Indigenous seniors aged 65 and up to give them more insight on how to pre-register for vaccination appointments.