For Immediate Release April 12, 2021
VANCOUVER, BC – Surrey and White Rock fire fighters and police officers now have priority access to vaccinations as part of the “Vaccinate Surrey / White Rock first responder priority program.” Under the direction of the Public Health Office, the program has been initiated to allow first responders to book their appointments online in the coming days. The program is being rolled out as the City of Surrey faces some of the highest case counts in the province.
“Having Surrey’s and White Rock’s first responders vaccinated is clearly the right step in mitigating the opportunity of infecting a critical workforce. We commend the leadership of the Surrey Fire Service as well as White Rock Fire Service in achieving this necessary step of protecting its fire fighters and the community, and we are extremely hopeful that this advance can pave the way for all first responders in this province to access the vaccination program,” says Gord Ditchburn, President, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association.
“Surrey is not alone in experiencing high case counts, the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, and many areas of BC are experiencing high rates - it’s time to protect all first responders!”
The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association is pleased to hear that the Public Health Office (PHO) and Minister of Health have initiated the immediate process of vaccinating fire fighters as previously prioritized. However, with AstraZeneca currently suspended by Health Canada, the BCPFFA continues to petition the PHO and Minister of Health to pivot brands and allow for the immediate vaccination for first responders.
COVID-19 has no borders. All first responders are at risk of catching this disease both off and on duty. Should this trend continue, it will negatively impact the workplace and health of fire fighters if infected.
The BCPFFA is grateful to all of the hard work of the PHO and the Minister of Health in recognizing the importance of having first responders vaccinated as a priority group. The BCPFFA thanks its members for their continued commitment to service in every community in the province despite the anxiety of COVID-19 and the wait to be vaccinated.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
P: 778.789.0820
ABOUT THE BCPFFA:
Established in 1929, the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) is an organization of 53 locals who represent over 4000 professional men and women fire fighters in BC, including the Yukon. The BCPFFA and its 53 are affiliates of the International Association of Fire Fighters. The BCPFFA is a service provider for its affiliates offering training and education in areas of provincial legislation, occupational health and safety, Worksafe advocacy, financial assistance, bargaining, labour law, and advocacy for best practices in both public safety and fire fighter safety.
Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Health Area of Case Residence
April 7, 2021 - The BCCDC released two new maps of the province's coronavirus infections on Wednesday, one showing the last week's worth of cases and the other showing cumulative cases since the pandemic began. (BCCDC)