Over 1,300 people lined up in Richmond for their first or second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine during the province-wide Walk-in Wednesday campaign.
During the vaccination blitz, which took place on Aug. 4, 20,000 doses were reserved for walk-in patients at all vaccine clinics across B.C. in an effort to boost the provincial vaccination rate.
In total, 1,350 doses were given out at Richmond’s vaccine clinics to walk-in patients that day, according to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
That breaks down to a total of 914 doses at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University clinic – 250 of which were first doses and 664 second doses.
Meanwhile, a total of 436 doses were given to walk-in patients at the River Rock Casino clinic, including 103 first doses and 333 second doses.
“We would like to thank staff and volunteers for their amazing work during the Walk-in Wednesday events,” said VCH in a statement to the Richmond News. “We would also like to thank all of the residents who did their part by attending our clinics and getting vaccinated.”
B.C. health officials said that a total of 33,277 doses of vaccine were administered across the province on Wednesday to walk-in patients and people who had booked an appointment.
Of that number, 16,505 doses were walk-ins – more than 80 per cent of the 20,000 doses set aside across B.C. for Walk-in Wednesday. Furthermore, 37.6 per cent of the walk-in doses were first doses.
Anyone aged 12 and older is eligible for a first dose. Meanwhile, anyone is eligible for a second dose 49 days after getting their first dose.
While people are still encouraged to register in the BC Get Vaccinated system, drop-in appointments are also welcome at all VCH clinics on a first-come, first-serve basis depending on eligibility and vaccine availability.
VCH will also continue to provide pop-up, drop-in clinics in its communities. In Richmond, pop-up clinics will be held at the Richmond Night Market on Aug. 6 and Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
As of Aug. 2, 84 per cent of Richmondites aged 12 and older have received their first dose, and 64 per cent have received their second dose.