AstraZeneca vaccine is becoming available at B.C. pharmacies outside the Lower Mainland, as of Friday, April 9. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Frank Augstein

Immunization program expands to five Nanaimo pharmacies

Residents 55-65-year-old can get their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine

  • Apr. 9, 2021 12:00 a.m.

B.C.’s immunization partnership with pharmacies expanded Friday, April 9, to communities outside the Lower Mainland, including Nanaimo.

Five pharmacies in Nanaimo and one in Nanoose Bay so far will be vaccination locations, according to information posted by the B.C. Pharmacy Association.

“This is a public campaign to respond to a public health care crisis,” the association noted in a press release earlier this month. “B.C. pharmacists have quickly stepped up to be part of this campaign and are helping save countless lives of British Columbians.”

The association says distribution of vaccine is ongoing and will be delivered as supplies arrive. Some pharmacies will ask that people book online, while others may allow drop-in service. People will need a personal health number, found on their CareCard or B.C. Services Card, to receive vaccine.

The B.C. Pharmacy Association lists the following pharmacies as vaccination locations in Nanaimo: Costco on the old Island Highway, Medicine Shoppe locations at Terminal Park Mall and Cedar Road, Rexall locations on Dufferin Crescent and Southgate Centre, and Nanoose Pharmacy on Collins Crescen. Three other pharmacies in Nanaimo previously appeared on the association’s list but have since been removed.

The pharmacy association notes that the list of participating pharmacies will change and will be updated at this link.

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