British Columbia has revised its COVID-19 vaccination plan to make age the deciding factor for when people will get their vaccine.

The province will continue to deliver vaccine to those who live and work in long term care, along with other vulnerable populations during its first phase, that is now underway. But starting in late March, mass vaccination clinics will begin, and priority will be determined by age. The first in line will be those over the age 80 who live outside of care homes.  Age groups will continue on a descending scale with 70-year-olds staring in April, 60-year-olds starting in May and so on, with the youngest group 18- 24 being done in September.

Premier John Horgan acknowledged that some groups, including teachers, and others with chronic medical conditions will be disappointed:

The province has also been forced to tweak its short term plan because of a shortfall in deliveries from Pfizer. Canada will not receive any Pfizer vaccine next week, and it will only deliver half of the expected supply during the three weeks following. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses for longer lasting immunity.  BC's Provincial Health Officer says the immediate shortfall means fewer people will receive their second doses by the end of March than originally planned.  But Dr. Bonnie Henry says everyone will receive their second doses within 35 days of their first. In the meantime, Henry says people must avoid non-essential travel and remain within their household bubble:

Henry says it may be possible to relax some restrictions by Canada Day but it will likely be the fall before things start returning to normal.