Interior Health expands mobile immunization clinic program to urban areas
Beginning this week, Interior Health is launching what it calls "urban mobile immunization clinics," in an effort to increase the number of people in the region who have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
The health authority describes the program as building on the "great success" it has had with mobile clinics targeting rural and remote communities.
"We are now using that experience to launch mobile clinics for urban neighbourhoods," said Interior Health president and CEO Susan Brown, in a news release.
"This is another way to make sure vaccine is easily accessible to provide everyone an opportunity to get vaccinated."
The clinics travel around the Interior, and no appointment is required to get a first dose. People can walk up, register and receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The urban clinics will target neighbourhoods in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton and Salmon Arm, offering first doses to anyone age 12 or older who wants them, according to Interior Health.
The first clinic is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at Kelowna Secondary School Gym, and will run from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily through Thursday.
Details on the mobile immunization clinic schedule can be found on the health authority's website.
According to data from the provincial government, 69 per cent of eligible Interior Health residents had received a first vaccine dose as of Saturday. That total is higher than the immunization rate seen in Northern Health, but lower than those seen in every other health authority in the province.
As of Friday, 75 per cent of eligible people province-wide had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.