B.C.'s most-impacted health authority doles out 7,000 COVID-19 shots in 32-hour 'Vax-a-thon'
The B.C. health region that has been most impacted by COVID-19 managed to meet its goal in a 32-hour weekend "Vax-a-thon" event.
Fraser Health officials said the authority met its goal of immunizing 7,000 people over the weekend.
The event hosted at Surrey's Guildford Recreation Centre drew long lines with offers of a variety of attractions meant to entertain those who waited for hours to get their first or second shots.
Among the attractions at the event were members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, a DJ and other performances.
There were also door prizes and a selfie station, and attendants were encouraged to "dress to impress" in their fanciest masks for the "Mask-erade"-themed vaccine blitz, though they were also welcome to walk the red carpet in their regular clothes and face masks.
On Sunday, families celebrating Father's Day were encouraged to line up together. Anyone at least 12 years old was eligible for a shot, if they hadn't received their first dose.
The round-the-clock event started at 11 a.m. Saturday, continued through the night and went well into the next day.
No appointments were necessary – the hope was that anyone who wanted a vaccine could get one.
"If it gives the opportunity for people who haven't been able to get in because of life circumstances, then fantastic. Maybe people will have that time at midnight and one in the morning," said Christine Mackie, co-lead for the Vaccine Co-ordination Centre for Fraser Health.
By 7 p.m. Sunday, the health authority had met its goal.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Allison Hurst in Surrey
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.