B.C. is premiering its one and only "special event" vaccine screening in the Tri-Cities today (Aug. 6).
Residents will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose alongside their popcorn, candy and drinks before or after catching a film at Cineplex Cinemas Coquitlam between 3 and 7 p.m.
Fraser Health nurses and healthcare workers will be situated in the movie theatre — located at 170 Schoolhouse St. — as part of the province-wide Vax for B.C. campaign in hopes of providing convenient spots for British Columbians to get immunized.
Eligible people aged 12 years and older will be able to receive a first vaccine dose or a second, so long as it's been at least seven weeks since their initial jab.
No "reserved seating," appointment or personal health number is necessary.
Those wanting a vaccine are encouraged to bring a piece of photo ID, as well as an immunization record card if it's your second jab.
Meanwhile, the vaccination clinic at Coquitlam's Poirier Forum remains open daily for drop-ins between 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A "gratitude wall" has also been set up in allowing residents to express support for healthcare and front-line workers and their efforts over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The testing and immunization centre at Coquitlam Central Station Park and Ride overflow lot also remains open under new operating hours:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:45 a.m. to 4 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
If you're seeking a second jab, you can also visit these designated Fraser Health immunization facilities as long as its been seven weeks (49 days) since your first, and as supplies and capacity allow.
On "Walk-in Wednesday" (Aug, 4) — when all vaccination centres across the province accepted walk-in traffic — B.C. health officials say 7,628 people received first doses of vaccine. That compares with an average of 4,314 people getting first doses of vaccine in the seven previous days. Another 25,618 British Columbians received needed second doses of vaccine.
The province said the total number of first doses provided was the highest since July 10, which was a day for which no data has been provided. The last single day for which data was provided in which the number of first doses was higher was July 7, when 12,587 people received their first jab of vaccine.
The number of those who received second doses has been on the decline, in part because the population of vaccinated people needing second doses has been on a steep decline.
In total, provincial data show 3,785,216 British Columbians have had at least one dose of vaccine, with 3,172,287 people being fully vaccinated, with two doses of vaccine.
TRI-CITY SURVEILLANCE DATA
The Tri-Cities saw a significant bump in terms of eligible residents aged 12 years and older that have received a second COVID-19 vaccine jab.
In the latest one-week data by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the region administered enough doses to reach a 73% collective average between July 27 and Aug. 2.
It represents a 5% bump compared to the previous count of 68% between July 20 and 26.
The numbers broken down among the five surveillance neighbourhoods are as follows. Case rates are new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area:
North Coquitlam
- One case
- 1% positivity rate
- 83% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 72% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- One case
- 1% positivity rate
- 85% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 73% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- One case
- 1% positivity rate
- 84% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 72% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Port Coquitlam
- One case
- 1% positivity rate
- 83% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 72% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- One case
- 0% positivity rate
- 85% of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 76% of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- with files from Glen Korstrom, Business In Vancouver
