If you haven’t had your first or second shot yet, there is a walk-in Moderna clinic at the Tantramar Memorial Civic Centre today. Moderna is only available for those 18 and older, but there will be other clinics this week that those under 18 can attend.
The clinic will operate between 9AM this morning until 5PM tonight.
Bring your provincial health card, immunization record (if this is your second dose), and pre-signed consent form if you can.
If you end up getting a vaccine today and have another appointment at a regional health authority clinic or a pharmacy booked, do not forget to cancel it. There is no way for the clinic or pharmacy to know that you don’t need the appointment anymore, and they will assume you are coming.
If you can’t make the clinic today, there are some more walk-ins coming up this week. This Friday and Saturday, the Corner Drug Store will offer the Pfizer vaccine on a walk-in basis.
There might be some barriers preventing those in the Tantramar from accessing this clinic. Here are some ways to help with some of those problems:
I want to get a dose today, but I don’t have a way to get there. What can I do?
Anyone who needs a lift can call Annie from Rural Rides Tantramar at 506-962-3073. There may be a volunteer driver available to give you a lift there and back.
You may also contact the station by email (reporting@chmafm.com) and we will try to find a ride for you.
I want to get a dose today, but I have children who need supervision. What can I do?
Unless otherwise specified, children are allowed to accompany parents when they get their COVID-19 vaccine.
If that is not possible, Bridge Street Children’s Academy (146 Bridge Street, Sackville) will take in children for the day (or a few hours) depending on availability. Parents will need to fill out paperwork (which takes approximately 15 minutes) and pay for a day of care. The rate depends on the age of the child.
You may also contact the station by email (reporting@chmafm.com) and we will try to put you in contact with childcare options in the Tantramar.
I want to get a dose today, but I have to work. What can I do?
It’s up to the employer to allow employees to take time out of the work day to get vaccinated. If you are unable to get the time off today, there will be other opportunities for vaccination. The Corner Drug Store occasionally holds walk-in clinics on weekends, where you may be able to grab a shot.
Stay tuned to hear about upcoming vaccination opportunities.
I have a phobia of needles. What can I do?
Phobias are not conquered in a day, but there are a few strategies you can use to help you get through the vaccination process.
- Bring someone you trust with you as a support person. If possible, go with a friend who also needs a shot! You may also call someone on the phone while you get your needle.
- Tell the person giving you the vaccine about your phobia. They can accommodate you as best as they can.
- Look away. There is no reason for you to look at the needle!
- Distract yourself. Sing a song in your head or focus on something else in the room.
Call the CHIMO Helpline at 1-800-667-5005 to talk to a crisis counsellor before, during, or after your vaccine.
I lost my immunization record. What do I do?
You can obtain a copy of your immunization record by calling the Vitalité Health Network at 506-544-2133 or 1-888-472-2220. The province is working on a method for online retrieval, but it is still in progress.
I got Pfizer as my first dose, can I get Moderna as my second dose?
Yes, you can. New Brunswick follows the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations when it comes to mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA vaccines, and are being used interchangeably as first and doses.
I got AstraZeneca as my first dose, can I get Moderna as my second dose?
Yes, you can. It doesn’t matter if you are over or under 55 years old, either. Unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional, those who received the AstraZenca COVID-19 vaccine may get an mRNA vaccine (such as Pfizer and Moderna) for their second dose.
