COVID-19 Information

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present various challenges to our community. We ask that you wear a mask, adhere to social distancing when in public, socialize only with your immediate household while indoors, and not travel outside of the region. The vaccination process is underway, however COVID-19 continues to impact us all. A positive diagnosis can happen to anyone, anytime, anyplace. COVID-19 does not discriminate and occurs most frequently when public health measures are not followed. Please report breaches of Provincial Health Orders by contacting WFN Law Enforcement at 250-717-6147, or the West Kelowna RCMP Detachment at 250-768-2880. Stay aware, stay informed, and remember that we are all in this together.

Vaccines

Member-Only Information

March 10, 2021 Video Update to WFN Membership (Including Member Vaccine Clinics)

Available Resources

PROVINCIAL VACCINE RESOURCES

FEDERAL VACCINE RESOURCES

FNHA - FACTS ABOUT
THE COVID-19 VACCINE

Q+A's

1. If you have received the vaccine, is it possible to test positive?

It is not a live vaccine and therefore you would not get a positive test result from it.

2. How long does it take to be effective once it has been received?

Based on studies done by the federal government, the COVID-19 vaccines are 80-88% effective in preventing COVID-19 starting at 3 weeks.

3. Is there a test for vaccine effectiveness?

Clinical trials of both vaccines have ensured effectiveness. Click here for more information on the clinical trial process.

4. Can pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers receive the vaccine?
The Society of Obstetricians and Gyneacologists of Canada released a statement on December 18, 2020 stating “Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be offered the vaccination at anytime if they are eligible and no contraindications exist.” Unvaccinated pregnant individuals will remain at risk for COVID-19 infection, which could endanger the lives of both mother and fetus. WFN recommends discussing risk vs benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine with your doctor..

5. What is the minimum age to receive the vaccine?
Currently, the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 vaccine is for those aged 18+. However, this may be subject to change. WFN is following all provincial eligibility guidelines and will continue to update.

6. Why should I get the vaccine?
It protects, it is safe, and it is effective.

WFN Vaccination Strategy

FNHA are responsible to provide the vaccines to WFN, and WFN has no control over when vaccines will be received or the amount of vaccines that will be received.

WFN's Vaccination Strategy is available here

COVID-19 Information

Q+A's

1. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including Influenza and the common cold.

The most common symptoms include:

Fever, Chills, Cough or worsening chronic cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, loss of sense of smell or taste, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or muscle aches.

Less common symptoms include:

Stuffy nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), dizziness, confusion, abdominal pain, skin rashes, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Sometimes people with COVID-19 have mild illness, but their symptoms may suddenly worsen in a few days.

2. What is self-monitoring vs. self-isolation?

Self-monitoring: Monitor your health and the health of your children for symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Individuals who are self-monitoring are allowed to attend work and school and take part in regular activities.

Self-isolation: You must stay at home, in a hotel or similar place, and avoid all contact with others.

Self-isolation is one important way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in B.C. and is used to lower the chance of spreading infectious germs to other people by avoiding situations where someone could infect others. People at high-risk of having been exposed to COVID-19 are asked to self-isolate as there is a small chance you can spread germs in the days before you feel sick. A number of groups of people including international travellers returning to Canada, contacts of a COVID-19 case, and people with symptoms or who are positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate

3. What is the incubation period of COVID-19?

At this time, the available information suggests the incubation period is up to 14 days. The incubation period is the time from when a person is first exposed until symptoms appear.‎

4. Can ibuprofen make COVID-19 symptoms worse?

There is no current evidence that ibuprofen makes COVID-19 worse. Ibuprofen is part of a group of medicines called NSAIDs and includes brand names like Advil and Motrin. These medicines help with pain, fever or inflammation. Acetaminophen, which includes brand names like Tylenol, also helps with fever. If you take ibuprofen to treat another condition, you should continue taking it. To treat symptoms like fever, we recommend first using acetaminophen. If it isn’t available, you can use ibuprofen as an alternative.

5. Have any COVID-19 variants been detected in British Columbia?

COVID-19 variants first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Nigeria have been found in BC by public health researchers. As of now, these variants are not the most common form of COVID-19 in the province. More information may be discovered as research by the province continues.