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Mar 26, 2021 5:23 PM -

Advocates say undocumented workers in BC fear deportation, as getting vaccinated can expose lack of proper identification

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A dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is pictured at a vaccination site in Vancouver Thursday, March 11, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Advocates say undocumented workers in BC fear that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 could mean getting arrested if someone reports that they lack proper identification.

The BC Health Ministry says undocumented and migrant workers don't need to present medical cards before being immunized, but it didn't say whether non-government identification could be used.

The ministry says information provided for immunization will not be shared with other organizations, and more details on documents that will be asked for when provincewide online booking starts April 6th.

Byron Cruz, a spokesman for Sanctuary Health in Vancouver, says undocumented workers are eager to get vaccinated but they also needassurances that no one would be at risk of being deported based on their immigration status.

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