Prince Rupert finishes COVID-19 vaccination clinic for all age groups

PRINCE RUPERT (NEWS 1130) – Every person in Prince Rupert who wants a COVID-19 vaccine has received a first dose, with more than 7,000 shots administered in that community.

It’s the only place in B.C. to host something like this.

City Councillor Blair Mirau says they have been fielding questions, but Prince Rupert is unique.

“Being in the north, we don’t have the same level of health-care services as places like Vancouver or Vancouver Island. We have some of the highest rates of poverty and vulnerability in the province, which we know is a contributing risk factor,” he said.

Related article: COVID-19 vaccinations in B.C.: What you need to know

Mirau adds he believes the province is making the “the right medical and moral decision to try to save as many lives and prevent as much suffering as possible.”

“In no way is it a reward for bad behaviour,” he added.

He says other communities want to know more about the logistics of running a vaccination clinic for all age groups at the same time.

“How to do something on such short notice, the physical layout of the venue, those types of questions. We really hope that we can be a model for how to successfully roll out something like this on short notice,” he said.

Related article: Workers jumped COVID-19 vaccine booking queue accidentally: Interior Health

People in Prince Rupert are now waiting to hear when the second dose of the vaccine will be available there, but Mirau says it should be within four months, which is the current maximum recommended delay between doses.

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