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Editorial: Vaccination clinic in Powell River provides double the benefit

A combination of good weather outside, and socially distanced seating inside, is allowing residents in certain stages of the process to catch up, almost the way they would at one of the many festivals, sporting events or other community gatherings cancelled due to coronavirus.
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The upper floor at Powell River Recreation Complex has been transformed into a COVID-19 vaccination site.

At a time when community gatherings of any sort are completely absent from day-to-day life, the vaccination clinic at Powell River Recreation Complex is providing people with more than a literal shot in the arm.

The procession en route to the first dose of vaccine includes being asked to show up 15 minutes before appointment time, the filling in of paperwork, getting the all-important first vaccine shot, and waiting another 15 minutes to ensure all is well before leaving the makeshift clinic.

A combination of good weather outside, and socially distanced seating inside, is allowing residents in certain stages of the process to catch up, almost the way they would at one of the many festivals, sporting events or other community gatherings cancelled due to coronavirus.

At one point, a COVID-19 immunization record card, about the size of a business card, is presented to each person receiving a shot. It includes information about the first shot, with space for the second shot details down the road, the individual’s name and date of birth, the product name (e.g. Pfizer, Moderna), the provider or clinic, and states: “This is a permanent record, keep in a safe place.”

People are also informed that they will get a phone call about shot number two, and to take an Advil or ibuprofen if they experience flu-like symptoms afterward.

And the best part, the needles are not as big as they appear on TV.

For those who show up early and use the opportunity to chat and catch up, remember to keep your distance and stay safe. It’s not over yet, but we’re getting there.