Updated April 3: Cates Medicine Centre advises that all of the appointments for the first batch of AstraZeneca are booked up. "Once we have confirmation for a new batch, we'll let you know, here, so that you can go online and book once again," says a Facebook post. "Thank you for your patience. Please know that we are working hard to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for everyone, but are limited in our capacity based on what the authorities provide us on a weekly basis."
Cates Medicine Centre will have AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines available next week for Bowen Islanders between the ages of 55 and 65.
The pharmacy's online booking system is taking appointments starting April 6. "Please make sure that you have filled out all necessary sections, otherwise your appointment may become void," instructs a post on the Cates Medicine Centre Facebook page.
(Here's the link to the online booking.)
For now, Cates Medicine Centre is receiving 100 doses.
The province unveiled a plan to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine at select Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health pharmacies Tuesday after B.C. suspended the use of the vaccine on those younger than 55 due to concerns that the vaccine was linked to blood clots in a small number of cases overseas. B.C.'s AstraZeneca doses had been earmarked for essential service workers but were rerouted to pharmacies for the 10-year age cohort when the medical guidance changed. Demand soon overwhelmed many of the initial 150 pharmacies offering the vaccine. Thursday, the province added a further 375 pharmacy locations, including Bowen.
Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations continue for Bowen Islanders 70 and older and for those considered extremely medically vulnerable through the health authorities. See more information about that on the Vacouver Coastal Health website.
–With files from Jane Seyd, North Shore News
