FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The BC Pharmacy Association is reminding Northern Health residents of available COVID-19 booster shot appointments amid concerns surrounding the Omicron variant.
“Over the next two weeks, there are more than 1,500 available appointments in community pharmacies in the Northern Health region with more appointments being added on a daily basis,” said the association in a statement.
The association says thousands of invites have been sent out to eligible individuals in the region over the past six weeks.
Last week, the Province announced that over 1,000 B.C. pharmacies will be delivering most booster shots for residents by the middle of January 2022.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said this is an effort to make it more convenient than ever to book a vaccine with their local participating pharmacy.
“Thanks to more pharmacies joining the effort, people can book an appointment for a time that works best for them at a location close to home,” said Dix.
Anyone looking to get their booster dose at a clinic in Fort St. John is asked to drop in on the available dates.
There have been reports of residents struggling to find a participating clinic in Fort St. John, but that’s because the clinics in town are available as drop-in only.
Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins says the Get Vaccinated portal on the British Columbia government website does not include drop-in clinics.
“On our website, social media and in local advertising, we have been and continue to encourage Northern BC residents to check our website for specific information on not only when and where local clinics are taking place, but also how they’re structured,” said Collins.
“Because drop-in clinics don’t have structured appointments, they don’t appear as options in the provincial appointment-booking system.”
Northern Health has added a date for vaccine clinics over the holidays in Fort St. John.
No appointment is required for the drop-ins at the Fort St. John Health Unit at 10115-110 Ave. The clinic is open to all ages, including 5-11-year-olds.
Those looking to get their booster shot from a pharmacy have to book an appointment through the Get Vaccinated portal.
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