Post-secondary students are set to be welcomed back to in-person classes next month.
In an effort to ensure campuses, its staff and visitors are protected, Fraser Health has announced a series of pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics at institutions across its authority region, including Douglas College in Coquitlam.
The local campus is set to host two stations in September, which will also be open to eligible residents aged 12 years and older who still have not yet received one of two doses of any vaccine.
"We know the safety of our campuses increases when people are vaccinated," said Anne Kang, B.C.'s advanced education minister in a release today (Aug. 26).
"These on-campus clinics make it easy and convenient to get the vaccine – make the choice to protect your community and play an active role in ensuring a safe return to school this fall."
Now, this pop-up special-event clinic will work a little bit differently than others of recent, like one scheduled at the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market today from 3 to 7 p.m.
For students and members of the public seeking a first dose, you don't need to have a personal health number or be a resident of B.C. as some may be from outside the province for studying.
Fraser Health says those seeking a second dose will need to have received an invitation through B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal or have waited a minimum of 28 days since the first jab, and are encouraged to bring their immunization card.
"If the clinic is at capacity, you may be added to a virtual waiting list," the authority further explained.
"If there is enough vaccine, you will be texted to come back later that day to get your second dose. If you do not receive a text, you should return to try again on another day."
Nurses and healthcare workers will be set up at Douglas College's Coquitlam campus on Sept. 1 and 8.
The details are as follows:
Sept. 1
- Outside between Buildings 'A' and 'B'
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 8
- Room B3051
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other nearby post-secondary schools will also host an on-campus vaccine clinic, such as Douglas College in New Westminster, BCIT, SFU and Yorkville University.
For more information, dates and times, you can visit Fraser Health's website.
