Larger immunization sites no longer needed in Interior

Interior Health is starting the process to close down larger COVID-19 vaccine clinics, with appointments to shift exclusively to pharmacies and IH health centres over the next few weeks.

IH president and CEO Susan Brown said it’s the right time for the transition with vaccination rates continuing to increase.

“Together with our community partners, we continue to achieve excellent COVID-19 vaccine deployment across the Interior region,” said Brown. “We are grateful for their support and will continue to work with them as needed, including the BC Pharmacy Association, to provide access to vaccines.”

People who have not yet received vaccines, including boosters, or pediatric vaccines for children age five to 11, will continue to have options to book appointments. Children five to 11 can get their vaccines at local IH clinics, and people age 12 and older can get vaccines at participating pharmacies in their community. Currently, more than 90 pharmacies across the Interior region have appointments available for COVID-19 vaccines.

Interior Health will provide ongoing opportunities, such as regular and pop-up clinics, for all eligible ages in rural and remote communities where access to pharmacies is limited.

This transition from larger clinics to pharmacies and health centres comes as 91 per cent of British Columbians age five and older have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 86 per cent have received two doses, and 51 per cent have received three doses.

“During this transition, it’s still important for people to continue to get these vaccines when they are eligible,” said Dr. Sue Pollock, interim chief medical health officer. “This means getting younger age groups their primary series of the vaccine or the booster doses for people age 12 and older to strengthen and maintain their immunity.”

Parents and guardians can continue to register their children age five to 11 at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-838-2323. Children are eligible for registration on or after their fifth birthday. Children will be invited to get their second dose eight weeks after their first dose.

People age 12 and older will get an invitation to book their booster appointment six months from the date of their second dose. People age 12 and older who have not yet received their first or second dose can drop in at IH clinics.

For more information on getting COVID-19 vaccines, including a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources, click here.

CEO Brown is also thanking community volunteers who helped with immunization efforts across the region.

“From retired health care workers who volunteered as way finders, to parking attendants and therapy dog handlers, thank you all for your support as we delivered a historic immunization campaign, together,” said Brown.