More pop-up vaccination clinics set to inoculate community members against COVID-19 are coming to the Coquitlam campus of Douglas College.
Fraser Health has added at least two more dates after Friday's (Dec. 17), which was scheduled in a collaboration between the authority and the post-secondary school unveiled in November.
This includes Saturday (Dec. 18) and Monday (Dec. 20).
With the threat of the new Omicron variant in B.C. — 44 confirmed cases according to data from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) — provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says health officials are actively monitoring the situation locally.
"I think it is important to know that we have transmission in the community now," she emphasized, noting the Delta variant is still the primary strain in the province.
"And that we are learning more from the global community about what that means with Omicron."
Henry said 24 cases of Omicron have been identified in Fraser Health and the age range is "relatively young." There have been no hospitalizations in the province associated with the variant and most of the cases involve recent travel histories to several different countries.
Preliminary evidence suggests Omicron may carry an increased risk of reinfection compared to other variant strains, according to the World Health Organization. However, information is still limited and more information will be available in the coming weeks.
"That is another reason why more than ever if you had a previous infection, you still need to be vaccinated," Henry stated.
"Vaccination protects against this reinfection that we're seeing more commonly with Omicron."
Douglas College continues to be the main hub for pop-up vaccination clinics as its main building provides a suitable space for nurses and healthcare workers to administer shots to eligible residents.
As of this publication (Dec. 15), the Tri-Cities has recorded a 90.2 per cent double-vaccination average against COVID-19 among those aged 12 years and older, as well as a 92 per cent single-dose rate in the same age group.
Five- to 11-year-old kids in the region are still in the early stages of receiving their first vaccine dose, currently holding a 24.6 per cent average.
When it comes to booster jabs, 11 per cent of eligible Tri-City residents have been given a third dose — this primarily consists of the 70 years and older group as well as the immuno-compromised.
Each clinic at Douglas College (1250 Pinetree Way) will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Tim Hortons seating area.
Enter campus from Pinetree Way via the entrance marked with a 'Community Centre/Douglas College' sign. Park in the community centre parking lot on your right - it is pay parking. Cross the street to Douglas College and enter the building.
CLINIC INSTRUCTIONS
When visiting Douglas College, if it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of ID.
Kids aged five to 11 are also welcome to the clinics. However, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to book an appointment in advance.
If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first jab, you will need your personal health number, ID and immunization record card.
More information is available on Fraser Health's website.
Eligible residents can also visit the mass immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central Station's Park and Ride overflow lot, where first, second and third doses are being offered.
Third jabs are only recommended at this time for eligible residents 70 years and older, as well as those classified as immuno-compromised.
The station's operating hours are as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. = Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
- Entrance off Mariner Way – east side of Rona. Proceed down the ramp and turn right
- The address will direct you to the main lot on the left but COVID-19 Services are located in the overflow lot to the right
- Do not cut through the Rona parking lot. Please follow the signs
- with files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome, and The Canadian Press
