Some high school students excited for COVID shot as system opens up to 18+ Sunday night

DELTA (NEWS 1130) — As British Columbia’s vaccination program rolls on, the wait to book a vaccine appointment will be over for the younger generation soon.

The province says at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, people aged 18 and up can book their shot.

That means the wait is nearly over for some high school students, who have been waiting to get their jab.

BC is moving forward on vaccine bookings this weekend. pic.twitter.com/gyYJmFNTyG

— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) May 13, 2021

Naomi Cole is a grade 12 student and who goes to South Delta Secondary School and Co-President with SDSS Student Council. She says some of her younger friends are feeling a little jealous, especially the ones that are just on the cusp of the age requirement.

“I do have some friends in the younger grades, and I am hearing some frustration from them,” says Cole.

However, she notes that some of her friends don’t have to wait until Sunday night; those that work in the food industry.

“They’ve already gotten their first dose of the vaccine, and for those of us who don’t work in the front lines, we’re very jealous of them,” says Cole. “So, we’re all really excited.”

She says she’s thankful to get the shot before starting university in the fall, although she questions whether classes will be on campus.

“First semester will be online, like it was this year,” she predicts. “Maybe some of the smaller universities will be in class, but I think by second semester, it will be fully in class.”

Related Article: B.C. post-secondary educators demand vaccine priority

The province has decided “to return to business as usual” in September for universities.

However, 17 post-secondary institutions in B.C. have staff raising concerns as to whether they will be fully vaccinated by fall, when B.C. post-secondary schools are planning to welcome students back to campuses.

Read More: COVID-19 vaccinations in B.C.: What you need to know

– With files from Denise Wong