PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. -- As the mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Terrace and Smithers come to a close, Northern Health is holding two "Vax the North" celebrations this week that will also function as drop-in vaccine clinics for anyone who still needs their first or second dose.

In Smithers, a celebration will be held at Coast Mountain College on Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m. The event will feature snacks and live music, and each attendee will receive a 10-dollar gift certificate to the Bulkley Valley Farmer's Market. A drop-in clinic at the college will also run from Tuesday to Thursday.

Over in Terrace, a celebration will be held on Wednesday at the Terrace Sportsplex from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Attendees can expect to see free food, live music, entertainment and door prizes. A drop in clinic will take place that day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both Terrace and Smithers have vaccination rates below the provincial average. As of July 20th, 74 per cent of Terrace residents aged 12 and up have received at least one vaccine dose, while the same rate is 65 per cent in Smithers.

In contrast, 81 per cent of eligible B.C. residents have received their first dose.

According to Northern Health's website, catch-up vaccine clinics for first and second doses will be held at the Terrace Health Unit from August 3rd to 6th, 9th to 13th and from the 16th onward. However, there aren't any other COVID-19 vaccine clinic dates listed for Smithers after July 29th.