Walk-ins are on pause at the only COVID-19 vaccine clinic in the Tri-Cities scheduled for the holidays.
It's currently by appointment only for the mass immunization and testing centre at Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Station Park and Ride overflow lot, whether it's for first, second or third doses for all eligible residents aged five and up.
With Christmas and New Year's fast-approaching, the facility has also made some minor adjustments to its operating hours over the next two weeks to accommodate breaks for Fraser Health nurses and healthcare workers — who've tirelessly gone the extra mile since the vaccination process began around this time last year.
The Coquitlam clinic will be closed tomorrow through to Sunday (Dec. 24-26), New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2022).
Earlier today (Dec. 23), the Tri-City News visited the park and ride lot and traffic appeared to be calm before noon, but a line was beginning to noticeably form at the Mariner Way entrance near Rona.
According to readers, some have previously waited in line for over an hour to get their or their kids' immunizations.
Regardless, Fraser Health is asking those interested in getting a shot to book an appointment in advance and when you're eligibility opens up, especially for booster doses.
You can do so by registering and/or visiting B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal.
As of this publication, 13 per cent of all eligible Tri-City residents have received a third dose of vaccine against COVID-19 — predominantly among the elderly and immuno-compromised.
Meanwhile, 90.2 per cent of the region's eligible 12-years-and-up population have been inoculated with two vaccine doses, while 92.4 per cent have one jab in their shoulder.
Five- to 11-year-old kids in the Tri-Cities have a near 35 per cent first-dose rate, which is currently the third-highest in Fraser Health as that category remains in the early stages of its vaccine roll-out.
CLINIC INSTRUCTIONS
If it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of ID.
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.
Third jabs are being offered at this time for eligible residents 63 years and older, Indigenous people aged 18 and older, and those classified as immuno-compromised.
More information is available on Fraser Health's website.
The station's operating hours and entry instructions 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
