The Corner Drug Store is booking appointments to administer 420 shots of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine throughout next week, says pharmacist-owner Charles Beaver. The pharmacy will also be receiving another 120 doses of Moderna vaccine, he says.
Shortly after Thursday’s COVID briefing by the province, CHMA called up Beaver to find out how the vaccination rollout is going at the local pharmacy. Here’s that conversation:
“There’s lots of appointments available,” says Beaver, “and all folks need to do is register on our website, thecornerdrugstore.ca. And within 24 hours, usually less than 12 hours, a link to book their appointment will be sent to them.”
The province just announced a new age group is eligible to receive their first shot: anyone born in 1991 or earlier can now book an appointment for a shot. Scroll down for the full details on eligibility.
At Thursday’s briefing the province also announced that Astrazeneca vaccines would no longer be available for first doses, except for those 55 and older who are homebound and therefore cannot access the mRNA vaccines which require special refrigeration. The remaining New Brunswick supply of AstraZeneca, about 4000 doses expiring at the end of May and another 13,500 arriving about the same time, will be used mostly for second doses for those who already received a first dose of AstraZeneca.
The numbers on the risk associated with AstraZeneca have been changing recently, as has advice from public health departments on the use of the vaccine. New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Jennifer Russell said Thursday that the frequency of a rare blood clot caused by the vaccine is now estimated at about one case in 55,000 to one case in 100,000.
But Beaver says he still hears from customers who are interested in taking AstraZeneca.
“It’s kind of become a moot point in that we can’t get any more of it right now anyway,” says Beaver. “But there are folks that have received their first dose that are contacting us and saying, you know, I guess no one else wants it, can I get my second dose of AstraZeneca now? And we have many folks that that would welcome any type of vaccine,” says Beaver. “But it’s not a factor now, because we really don’t have that option available at this point.”
Beaver says his wife, who got a shot of AstraZeneca at the Corner Drug Store on April 8, has also told him she would gladly take a second dose when its available.
But for now, the Corner Drug Store will be offering Pfizer and Moderna shots. Beaver says he expects to work through all 420 Pfizer shots next week, before the three-day Victoria Day weekend.
DON’T LET ALLERGY SEASON FOOL YOU, GET TESTED, SAYS BEAVER
Beaver says now that allergy season is arriving, he’s getting questions about whether a runny nose should trigger a COVID-19 test. “A runny nose,” says Beaver, “we could assume is only due to an allergy. But in the world we’re in right now, especially with variants of concern… Folks with a runny nose, my advice is get a test.”
Beaver points out that with just one symptom, New Brunswickers can get a test, and not be required to self-isolate while they await results. Though he does add that it would be cautious to avoid contact with others while awaiting your results anyway.
“People with one symptom aren’t required to stay away from work or anything, but extra care certainly is warranted,” says Beaver. “A runny nose could indeed be a symptom of COVID, and for that reason, people are urged to to book a test just to be safe.”
“There’s nothing to fear from asking for a test.” says Beaver. “In fact, I’ve done it without any symptoms, just for peace of mind, given what I do for a living, to protect the people at home. It just helps me sleep better at night.”
VACCINE ELIGIBILITY AS OF MAY 13, 2021
The following groups are eligible to be vaccinated at a pharmacy:
- Those age 30 and older (those who will turn 30 this year are included).
- Cross-border commuters, including truck drivers who can call a specialized line (1-833-724-0088).
- Those 55+ are no longer eligible to get a voluntary first dose of AstraZeneca* (second doses of AZ will be permitted).
The Corner Drug Store has requested that appointments be made online only. Do not call to make an appointment.
The following groups are eligible to be vaccinated at a Horizon Health or Vitalité Clinic:
- Children between the ages of 12 and 15 who have a complex medical condition or two or more chronic conditions (Pfizer will be administered, and a parent/guardian must book and sign consent for children under 16).
- First Nations people 12 and older (those 12 to 15 can only receive Pfizer with parental/guardian consent).
- Those age 30 and older (those who will turn 30 this year are included).
- Cross-border commuters, including truck drivers who can call a specialized line (1-833-724-0088).
- Anyone 16 and older with two or more chronic conditions.
- Pregnant people.
- Health care workers, first responders, specified staff of communal settings.
- People with complex medical conditions.
An appointment at a clinic can be made online or by calling 1-833-437-1424.
*Homebound extramural patients who understand all risks and provide consent are eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine as their first dose. Those patients should reach out to their primary care provider.
Do not call and make an appointment unless you are in the current identified priority group or are calling on someone’s behalf, you won’t be able to get the vaccine. If you have any questions about the vaccine, or when you might expect to be vaccinated, visit chmafm.com or gnb.ca.
