Booster shot clinics opening up around health region

The Vernon Recreation Centre is one of the main sites where North Okanagan residents, aged five and older, can get a COVID-19 booster shot.

Armstrong, Lumby and Salmon Arm also have clinics as Interior Health (IH) expands its capacity throughout its region to make it easier for people to get a booster dose as soon as they are eligible.

IH said larger immunization clinics are opening this month in Williams Lake, Kelowna, Nelson, Castlegar, Trail and Cranbrook, while clinics in several other communities are extending hours and adding more appointments at their current locations. Pharmacies across Interior Health are also adding more appointments.

The main sites in Kelowna are the Capri Mall and Trinity Church with the Westbank Lions Community Centre being used in West Kelowna.

For a full list of Interior Health clinics, click here.

Everyone aged 18+ will receive an invitation to book their appointment for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine approximately six months after the date of their second dose.

Pregnant people 18+ can get a booster dose eight weeks after their second dose. To book an appointment, they can call the call centre at 1-833-838-2323 and self-identify as pregnant. IH said COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive at any point in pregnancy.

“Receiving a COVID-19 booster dose is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19,” said Dr. Sue Pollock, interim chief medical health officer for Interior Health. “With increased COVID-19 activity across the Interior, getting your booster dose is a critical step you can take to reduce your risk of hospitalization and to preserve capacity in the health care system.”

Booster doses are by appointment only. Once you receive your invite by email or text you will be able to book your appointment. People who still need their first or second dose can drop in or also make an appointment.