Premier John Horgan says he is willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine early if it bolsters public confidence in the science behind it.
He said it's not about mic time or press moments, but if the act would bring confidence to British Columbians, he and Dr. Bonnie Henry would not hesitate in receiving the vaccine earlier than their age and demographic is set to receive it.
Henry, provincial health officer for the province, said she thinks British Columbia will reach a vaccination rate of 70 to 80 percent “very quickly.”
On the question of anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists, Henry said: "There are a small number of loud voices that we hear a lot of. When we do polls and research and studies done by BC CDC and Women’s Health Research Centre and Vaccine Evaluation Centre (here in BC) that just finished last week. It showed that 86 per cent of people in B.C. are looking and intend to receive the vaccine.
"It varies in parts of the province, but that tells us that people are recognizing this is important. That’s different to what we see in the United States, for example, where the attention to the science behind what is going may be different from what we see here in Canada.
"I am confident that particularly health-care workers, who recognize how severe this virus has been affecting themselves and colleagues, or the people they care for that have passed away. I know that there are a lot of people that are ready and willing to get this vaccine – we know and I am confident it is a safe and effective vaccine. I believe we will get there very quickly."
Reynolds, Rogen vax ambassadors in B.C.?
Horgan was asked if B.C. celebrities like Ryan Reynolds or Seth Rogen might be enlisted to encourage vaccinations.
"I think Ryan and Seth are in a demographic that would not require it," said Horgan.
"As with Dr. Henry, I am prepared if it's in the interest of giving the public comfort about the safety of the vaccine – I am happy to take one if it reassures people prepared to take one.
"My son advised me I am old enough to get into the line. I did not appreciate that very much - but that is the reality. I am prepared to do whatever is in the best interest of advancing the cause of getting as many people immunized as possible.
"I do not want to queue jump, I do not want to elbow people out of the way to be at a microphone or a photo op."
