People as young as 55 can now book appointments for the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine through participating pharmacies in Powell River.
According to the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) website, the AstraZeneca vaccine is available for people born in 1956 to 1966 (age 55 to 65) by booking at a participating pharmacy for an appointment or to join a waitlist. Appointments for AstraZeneca cannot be booked through the VCH COVID-19 vaccination appointment booking line.
According to the BC Pharmacy Association’s website, several Powell River pharmacies are taking appointments. These include: FreshCo Pharmacy, The Medicine Shoppe, Powell River Pharmacy, and Rexall.
At FreshCo, qualified people wanting vaccinations have to register online at pharmacyappointments.ca.
At The Medicine Shoppe, those eligible for the vaccination can contact the store by telephone and book an appointment.
At Powell River Pharmacy, people can call for an appointment.
At Rexall, booking an appointment must be done online at rexall.ca. At the top of the page is a section on COVID-19 vaccinations. Pressing the “learn more” button will lead the applicant to a section where they can join the waitlist.
Here is a link to the list of pharmacies: bcpharmacy.ca/resource-centre/covid-19/vaccination-locations.
Recommendations for preparing for an appointment include checking the scheduled appointment date, time and location. Those showing up for their appointments are advised to arrive on time for the appointment and to avoid arriving early. This will help follow public health guidelines, maintain physical distancing and will keep everyone safe.
Those being vaccinated are advised to wear a short-sleeved shirt because the vaccine will be delivered in the upper arm. Those being vaccinated will be monitored for 15 minutes after receiving their vaccines.
BC Pharmacy Association indicates that most places are taking appointment bookings and may have been filled up for this week. Pharmacies with online booking ask that people try to book online before calling.
Some locations may allow for drop-in service, according to the website. Those being vaccinated will be required to bring their personal health number.
The VCH vaccination centre at Powell River Recreation Complex is taking people aged 70 and older. Eligible people can book by calling 1.833.838.2323. The phone line is open daily between 7 am and 7 pm.
