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
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Video shows suspect setting Toronto-area barbershop on fire
Video of a suspect lighting a Richmond Hill barbershop on fire earlier this week has been released by police.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I have the will to live': N.B. woman needs double lung transplant
A New Brunswick woman suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that limits your lung capacity, is in need of a double lung transplant.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.