BC health officials are declaring the first ever ‘Walk-In Wednesday’ COVID-19 vaccination event a success.
August 4th marked BC’s first Walk-in Wednesday, an event to help spread the word about getting vaccinated and provide an easy walk-in option at clinics across the province to do so.
On Walk-in Wednesday, anyone aged 12 and over and people vaccinated with one dose before June 16th were eligible to receive a first or second dose simply by walking into a clinic across the province.
All clinics administering COVID-19 doses were accepting these walk-ins. Across the province, over 20,000 doses of Pfizer or Moderna were reserved for these specifically.
In a press conference today, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided insight into the results of the day.
On Wednesday, 33,277 vaccines were delivered in BC with 16,505 of these administered to walk-ins, a significant increase from previous day’s reports.
This means, more than 80% of the vaccines reserved specifically for walk-ins were administered. Of the walk-ins, 37.6% (6,130) were first doses.
This, combined with first doses by appointment, made it one of the most significant days since before Canada Day for first dose vaccinations.
In Island Health, Comox, Cowichan and Port Alberni saw a large number of walk-in vaccinations, specifically for those under 30 years of age.
As of today, 82.6% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 70.6% have received their second dose. 6,965,062 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered in BC since the program began in December.
According to Dr. Bonnie Henry and the statistics, 95% of the active cases in the province are not immunized or have not yet received their second dose. Henry stressed the importance of getting vaccinated and booking in for a second dose when eligible to.
Currently, all clinics are accepting walk-ins for first doses. Appointments are still required for second doses.
If you are unsure of where to go to get vaccinated, you can view locations and more information at VaxforBC.
