Press release
Vancouver Coastal Health transitioning COVID-19 clinic operations
Vancouver, B.C. — As more residents receive their first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has started recording a significant reduction in the number of people attending immunization clinics. To best support the next phase of the vaccine campaign, VCH is transitioning clinic operations through the month of August to ensure resources continue to be allocated most effectively.
Several mass vaccination clinics will continue to operate throughout the VCH region to ensure easy and ongoing access to COVID-19 vaccines for everyone in the health authority. Resources from transitioning clinics will be redirected to support targeted outreach efforts in specific communities, where vaccine uptake has been slower or there is need for additional capacity.
VCH remains committed to ensuring everyone who wants to get immunized against COVID-19 will have access to two doses. Moving forward, the following mass vaccination clinics will continue to operate after September 1:
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ICBC Test Collection Site, 255 Lloyd Ave., North Vancouver
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Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan St., Vancouver
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River Rock Theatre, 8811 River Rd., Richmond
Eligible residents are welcome to attend any of these mass clinics for their first or second dose by dropping-in during operating hours or booking an appointment through the BC Get Vaccinated registration system. Further details for mass clinics can be found on the VCH website here.
Additional clinics will continue be added in specific areas where vaccine uptake has been slower or there is need for additional capacity. These clinics will be opened on an as-needed basis and published on the VCH website here. The location, duration and operating hours of pop-up clinics will be provided at the time of their announcement. Drop-in or appointment-based vaccine clinics will also continue to be offered in rural communities, based on local need.
The increase in vaccination rates has also led to a decrease in demand for COVID-19 testing services. VCH will continue to provide COVID-19 testing services at multiple clinics located across the health authority. Information regarding testing service locations can be found on the VCH website here.
VCH has provided more than 1.7 million doses of vaccine to residents across the region during its immunization campaign. As the province makes progress on its B.C. Restart Plan, VCH extends its deepest appreciation and admiration to staff and medical staff who have supported operations at testing and vaccination clinics throughout the course of the pandemic. Health care staff have demonstrated the highest levels of commitment and sacrifice during incredibly challenging times, and have VCH's collective gratitude for the public service they have and continue to perform.
Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $4.1 billion in community, hospital and long-term care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout B.C., and is the province's hub of health-care education and research.
Jeremy Deutsch
Public Affairs Specialist
Vancouver Coastal Health
