Island Health COVID-19 immunization clinics shifting focus to child vaccinations

Island Health COVID-19 immunization clinics shifting focus to child vaccinations
CHEK

Island Health, much like other health authorities across B.C., is shifting the focus of COVID-19 mass immunization clinics to children.

According to the health authority, clinics across all regions are ramping down large-scale immunizations in order to match demand and will be focusing on vaccinating children between the ages of 5-11.

Island Health says it will be closing some of the bigger clinics such as the University Heights location and the Archie Browning location, while others will be reducing days of operation.

Due to the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine not being available at pharmacies, Island Health says its clinics will put an emphasis on immunizing children instead.

READ MORE: West Shore RCMP officer injured in arrest of alleged shoplifter

Island Health clinics will also provide appointments for adults seeking non-mRNA vaccines, such as the newly approved Novavax or Medicago, when they are available in B.C.

The updated clinic schedule comes into effect today, Monday, February 28 and Island Health says that days and hours of operation will continue to be adjusted to reflect local needs.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the most effective way to prevent illness and severe outcomes and we continue to encourage people to get their first, second or booster dose as soon as they are eligible,” reads a statement from Island Health.

To date, the health authority says that 88.7 per cent of people aged five and older in Island Health have received two doses of vaccine, and 56.7 per cent of people aged 12 and over also have their booster dose.

For full clinic schedule details, Vancouver Island residents can visit islandhealth.ca/covid19vaccine.

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!