Turns out, you can also get a vaccine against COVID-19 in Port Coquitlam.
Fraser Health has opened another immunization clinic in the Tri-Cities at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) as part of efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus and the highly transmissible Omicron variant. It will serve as an interim facility until a larger clinic is opened at the Poirier Forum in Coquitlam on Jan. 25.
According to the authority, it's open for all ages to receive a vaccine dose.
According to Heather Esau, the manager of the Port Coquitlam clinic that opened Jan. 13, the clinic can accommodate about 400 people a day. She said it was opened to respond to the need in the community. She said the plan is to staff it with about eight immunizers, as well as others handling support tasks like preparing syringes, and logging information into computers.
Esau said the response has been positive.
"People are happy to be here, we're happy to meet this need for them."
Available injections include first, second and booster doses for eligible residents, as well as kids ages five to 11, with the ultimate goal of providing a "close-to-home option" for local and regional residents.
In Port Coquitlam, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is reporting a 90 per cent double-vaccination rate among those aged 12 and up, and a 92 per cent first-dose average in the same age group.
Nearly half of PoCo kids aged five to 11 have received an inaugural inoculation at 46 per cent, while 75 per cent of seniors aged 70 and older have received a booster shot of vaccine against COVID-19.
The PCCC — a $132-million recreation facility — officially opened to the public in early October after four years of phased construction. It's located at 2150 Wilson Ave.
It's currently the third major COVID-19 vaccine clinic in the Tri-Cities in addition to the mass immunization and testing centre at the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Park and Ride overflow lot, as well as the Poirier Forum.
Fraser Health says it's set to be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone seeking a vaccine against COVID-19 is encouraged to register via B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal or call 1-833-838-2323.
You can visit the province's website for more information on its COVID-19 immunization plan.
For more information about the PCCC and it's amenities, you can visit the City of Port Coquitlam's website.
- with files from Mario Bartel, Tri-City News
