It started with nine on the agenda, and now only three remain.
In the last two weeks, Douglas College has played host to a series of pop-up clinics at its Coquitlam campus (1250 Pinetree Way) as part of Fraser Health's efforts to reach those looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Six stations have come and gone, witnessing hundreds of local students and residents of all eligible ages receive their first or second dose.
With one week left in the initiative, nurses and healthcare workers will be back at the post-secondary school just three more times — at least for now.
One of them is today (Dec. 11), while the final two are set for Monday (Dec. 13) and Friday (Dec. 17).
Each clinic 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.
More information at the bottom of the story.
As of this publication, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is reporting a 90 per cent double-vaccination average for the Tri-Cities as well as 92 per cent for single doses among eligible residents aged 12 years and older.
The region — which includes Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra — is currently at a 59.4 per cent average for third jabs against COVID-19 for eligible residents 70 and older, and 10 per cent for aged 12 and up.
About 8.5 per cent of kids aged five to all in the Tri-Cities have received their first dose against the virus.
THREE DOSES ARE BETTER THAN TWO
Pfizer released preliminary data today (Dec. 8) indicating three doses of its COVID-19 vaccine neutralizes the Omicron variant — a mutation of the SARS.CoV.2 virus that has spread to dozens of countries around the world and that scientists worry could prove more infectious and more resistant to vaccines.
The preliminary laboratory studies, which have not been peer reviewed, also indicate two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine “may not be sufficient to protect against infection with the Omicron variant,” according to a statement from Pfizer Wednesday.
Pfizer and BioNTech added that they believe those vaccinated with two doses “may still be protected” against severe Omicron infections.
“Our preliminary, first dataset indicate that a third dose could still offer a sufficient level of protection from disease of any severity caused by the Omicron variant,” said BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin in a written statement.
“Broad vaccination and booster campaigns around the world could help us to better protect people everywhere and to get through the winter season.”
Since Nov. 25, the companies have been working on an adapted vaccine that will give people a high and prolonged level of protection against the Omicron variant.
They say they have “high confidence” it will be ready by March 2022 and expect to produce four billion doses.
VACCINE 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, 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 inoculations 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 Stefan Labbé, Glacier Media
