Health officials announced plans to vaccinate all adults who live or work in Whistler, which has been a COVID-19 hot spot.
Vancouver Coastal Health said Sunday adults aged 18 and older who live or work in Whistler can receive a COVID-19 vaccination starting Monday if they have not already received a shot.
Eligible residents between the ages of 18 and 54 can receive a jab at the Whistler Conference Centre. Bookings can be made online starting at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Residents between the ages of 55 and 65 can book appointments to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at a local pharmacy now. Those in that age group who prefer to wait to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will be invited to be vaccinated at the Whistler Conference Centre during the week of April 19.
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B.C. opens COVID-19 vaccine registration to anyone aged 60+
Those over the age of 65 have already been invited to take part in the province’s age-based vaccination program.
Residents will be required to provide proof of a permanent address in Whistler. Those who work in Whistler but live outside of the municipality will need to present a recent paystub.
Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton had called for mass vaccinations, noting a recent rise in COVID-19 cases among firefighters.
The municipality did not reveal exactly how many of the community’s firefighters are battling COVID-19, but sources have told Global News that up to a dozen people may be infected, with one person in intensive care.
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COVID-19 cases among Whistler firefighters prompt call for vaccinations
Earlier this month, the province announced the closure of the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort amid new COVID-19 restrictions.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said attempts to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the ski community weren’t working and shut down Whistler Blackcomb until April 19. The resort then said it would not reopen for the rest of the winter season.
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Coronavirus: Some Whistler workers to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Some workers living in staff housing and high-density shared housing received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine last month.
The use of the AstraZeneca vaccine is currently on hold for those under the age of 55.
