Island Health has re-established the Comox Valley Health Unit at 961 England Ave. as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Island Health temporarily opens Comox Valley vaccine clinic previously deemed not feasible

The Comox Valley Health Unit at 961 England Ave. has now been re-established as a clinic

Island Health has re-established a COVID-19 vaccination clinic it closed in the Comox Valley earlier this month.

In early March, a list of immunization clinics was released as part of the province’s phased vaccination approach. On the list in the Valley, the North Island Hospital, Comox Valley (ambulance bay) and the Comox Valley Health Unit at 961 England Ave. in Courtenay were listed as vaccination sites.

At the time, a spokesperson for Island Health said while it was initially indicated as a clinic location, the health unit was deemed not a feasible location as final preparations were being made due to inadequate space and accessibility.

“All appointments are currently being booked at the clinic location at the North Island Hospital, Comox Valley Campus,” noted the spokesperson. “No appointments were booked for the health unit site.”

However, some residents of the Valley reported vaccine bookings for the health unit site.

On Thursday (March 25), a spokesperson for Island Health confirmed the heath authority has re-opened the England Avenue site temporarily between March 26 to March 31.

RELATED: Island Health closes COVID-19 clinic in the Valley due to inadequate space and accessibility

“We can confirm we are using the site for increased capacity,” said the spokesperson. “People should confirm the location when they book (their appointment).”

He added the clinic will no longer be used by Island Health as of April 1, when the Glacier Gardens Arena at 1399 Military Row is set to open as a mass vaccination clinic.

According to the health authority, the Comox Valley Hospital (ambulance bay) is set to end on April 15 for vaccine administration.

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 immunization clinic locations, visit covid19.islandclinics.ca.


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