While British Columbia is seeing its vaccination program accelerate quickly, Fraser Health is urging the younger population to register, book and get their vaccines so they don't miss out.
Fraser Health has announced a new social media campaign called "Fight the FOMO, Register, Book and Get the Shot" to encourage those 18 to 29 years of age to receive their immunizations.
FOMO stands for Fear of Missing Out.
Twenty-nine-year-old TV personality and Fraser Health Young Adult Health Influencer Frankie Cena said the fear of missing out on seeing friends, family and travel was a huge reason he decided to get vaccinated.
"I come from a big Italian family and holidays are such an important time for us," he said in the campaign announcement.
"It was always Good Friday, Easter, Christmas and birthdays where we would reconnect, and it's been a long time since I've seen my aunts and uncles and cousins."
It wasn't just those reasons that prompted him to get vaccinated, he also suffered personal tragedy during the pandemic.
"I unfortunately lost two uncles during the pandemic and was not able to attend their funerals. That was heartbreaking and I feel for families who have suffered similar losses.
"My call to action is to register now and book your shot immediately. The only way that we can get through this is for enough people to get registered and stay on top of opportunities to book their immunization appointments."
Fraser Health President and CEO Dr. Victoria Lee also echoed the hope that the younger population will make the choice to receive their vaccine so the pandemic can be put behind everyone.
“We developed this campaign by working closely with our young adult influencers in our region," she added in the campaign launch announcement.
"We look forward to more young people registering, booking and getting their shots as quickly as possible so that we can put the pandemic behind us.”
Those looking to register can do so online or by phone by calling 1-833-838-2323. If you do not have a Personal Health Number, you are required to book by phone only.
Once it is time for those eligible to book, they will receive an email, text message or phone call.
