It’s more good news for Delta residents in what’s expected to be an even busier time of COVID-19 vaccine bookings.
Fraser Health on Monday began accepting bookings via phone or online for a vaccine clinic that will operate at the North Delta Recreation Centre on 84th Avenue.
That gives residents another booking option in addition to the Delta COVID-19 Testing and Immunization Centre at Clarence Taylor Crescent beside city hall in Ladner.
Those 75-years-old and older are now allowed to book an appointment.
The province had set the South Delta location as the first clinic and it looked like that would be the only option for Delta residents when Premier John Horgan in the legislature earlier this month suggested those living in North Delta could travel to Surrey.
Noting the vaccine rollout is a complex situation, the premier told Liberal MLA Shirley Bond, who raised the question, that she should get a "geography lesson."
The negative public reaction was swift and by the following week the health region announced the new North Delta location would also begin vaccinations.
Cathy Wiebe, executive director White Rock/South Surrey and Delta Health Services and Peace Arch and Delta Hospital, told the Optimist last week that things are well organized and have run better than expected.
“I’m really impressed at how the government has done this even though some people get upset that they might not be in the right order,” she said. “Moving the testing and assessment centers to the online booking system was a godsend as it allowed us to test it and iron out all the kinks so that when the immunization program started we were able to quickly flip and get that booking system up and running without much difficulty at all. That’s what really saved us compared to poor Vancouver Coastal where they had that terrible time.”
Wiebe noted things could get interesting when more massive numbers begin trying to book an appointment.
“When we hit the 70s and 60s (age groups) that’s when we will see it. We will have other clinics coming on board across Fraser Health. Already we have our little one going on (here in Ladner) and they are doing over 300 a day. There is potentially one more coming on board but I haven’t heard if that’s been confirmed yet. The (provincial health ministry) makes the announcement first on next location,” she said.
The health region is reminding residents that appointments are required for all clinics and appointment times and dates for each location are available at the time of booking.
When you are eligible, book your appointment online at https://www.fraserhealth.ca/vaccine#.YFj4iZtlCpo or by phone: 1-855-755-2455, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Meanwhile, Delta police are warning residents thinking they are having a legitimate booking not to get scammed.
Police are saying it’s important for people, especially seniors who may be unaware, that health authorities booking vaccination appointments will not ask you for social insurance numbers, driver’s licenses, banking information or credit card.
