With files from Erica Butler.
There are plenty of upcoming opportunities to get first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the Sackville area this week.
A regular Vitalité clinic will take place at the Tantramar Civic Centre today (July 14). Appointments are required for second doses, but if you are 18 or older and haven’t received your first dose yet, you can walk in any time before 5PM tonight and get your shot.
Throughout this week, the province is also hosting another series of mobile walk-in clinics, including one at the Dorchester Veterans Community Hall on Thursday July 15, between 10am and 6pm. There’s also a clinic at the Salisbury Baptist Church on Friday July 16, between 10am and 4pm. These walk-in clinics will give doses of Moderna vaccine, and so are limited to those 18 and older.
And on Saturday, the Corner Drug Store is hosting a walk-in vaccination clinic at their store on 106 Main Street, giving up to 60 doses of Pfizer vaccine.
Pharmacist Charles Beaver says that anyone 12 and older can wander in this Saturday (July 17) between 10am and 4pm to get their shot.
Beaver says he really hopes to see “anybody needing a first dose… people who can’t come on the weekdays or find it very difficult to make a booked appointment… [and] 12 to 17 year olds who have yet to get their first dose in, so there’s still time to get two doses before school starts up again.”
That said, he also assures the public that as long as there is vaccine available, no one will be turned away. Those looking for their second shot, and had their first one 28 days ago or more, are welcome to drop in.
To speed things up and avoid crowding, Beaver asks that people bring a pre-signed COVID-19 vaccine consent form if they can, and a copy of their immunization record if it’s their second dose.
The Corner Drug Store “can take care of people from from any jurisdiction, whether it’s in Canada or anywhere in the world,” so those from out-of-province are welcome to show up (as long as they are adhered to travel regulations as required). Bring all relevant documentation with you, such as your immunization record from your home province or country and your health card.
If someone were to show up to the clinic with nothing except their arms, Beaver says they can still be vaccinated that day.
“We’ll take care of everybody. Everybody’s a priority, whether it’s a dose one or a dose two, this is important for everyone, and all are welcome.”
Beaver asks that people are patient on Saturday, since “Pfizer’s a hot commodity these days, [they] don’t really know how many people to expect, and and can only take care of folks one at a time.” The Corner Drug Store is considering a “take a number” option to prevent crowding, and will provide an update once they have a structure in place.
Something people can do to help them out on Saturday, if they are able, is book an appointment during the week.
“If someone has the ability to to attend a booked appointment, it’s absolutely the best way to go. We can prepare vaccine and be ready for them, so that means less waiting. It’s a little safer, less potential for crowding, and it can be easily done for anybody 12 and over for dose one or a dose two on our website.”
