PRINCE RUPERT -- A second dose vaccination clinic is coming to Prince Rupert starting on June 14th and will run until July 9th, acknowledging that it is subject to change. Health Services Administrator for Prince Rupert and Hadia Gwaii, Julia Pemberton, says inoculations will occur Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. The clinic will offer both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. However, she says people must understand that they need to register this time before getting their appointment due to a system change from the first series of vaccinations.
"We will be having our first nations way-finder and greeter roles so it will be a culturally safe space to come and get vaccinated, and if they have any concerns, we can be able to find a first nation partner for them to go through the process, but they can expect basically the same thing as the first in terms of set-up, experience, location, flow."
Pemberton says the health authorities strongly encourage everyone to book their appointment. However, they will make an effort to accommodate people, but booked appointments will take priority. She says that it's likely more drop-in clinics will be available near the end of the clinic. Pemberton expressed her concern surrounding people not completing their immunization schedule due to the low case count and hospitalizations.
"Because of the first clinic, we are kind of ahead of most everywhere else in terms of second doses. But that second dose is going to be really important for the longevity of immunity and I just don't want people to feel like we are out of the woods now, so I don't need another dose."
If you miss this mass vaccination clinic, Pemberton says they are still offering second does clinics through the local health unit, and if you haven't had your first vaccine, you are still eligible to obtain one.
