With all this talk of COVID, where does a person go to get their regular old flu shot these days?
A very timely question. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) recently published its fall 2021 schedule for Sunshine Coast Flu Clinics. The end of October/beginning of November is when the various clinics begin. To make an appointment, you can book online or by phone. There are both family clinics (called “Children with Parents Clinics” on the website) and general public clinics. The type of appointment you need will influence where you get your shot – i.e., if you live in Pender Harbour, the Madeira Park Legion is running the general public clinics, whereas the Pender Harbour Health Centre offers clinics for children attending with their parents. The website will direct you to the location that suits your need, and will ask you to create an account to book. I tried it and for those comfortable with technology, it is fairly user friendly. (And if you’re not comfortable with technology, phone numbers follow below!)
Note: Pharmacies are also running their own clinics. In Sechelt in particular, there are an abundance of pharmacies running general public clinics this year so Sechelt residents not booking to specifically attend with children are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to get their flu jab.
More information about VCH clinics at the VCH online booking site: vchsunshinecoast.janeapp.com.
For support booking your VCH appointment, or to book by phone, call one of the Coast’s health units – Gibsons: 604-984-5070 or Sechelt: 604-885-5164. For children’s clinics in Pender Harbour only, call 604-883-2764.
Oh, and nurses are awesome!
Free Seniors’ Tea Events!
Though not related to the above question, I’d like to plug a series of free, delicious and social afternoon teas for seniors that are coming up over the coming months. After all seniors have been put through in this pandemic, I can’t help but want everyone to know about these events. They are complete with yummy handmade treats and things. The teas are specifically for seniors living in ts’uḵw’um (formerly Wilson Creek), Davis Bay, and Selma Park, and are being organized by District of Sechelt and the Davis Bay-Wilson Creek-Selma Park Community Association. The events are at the local Davis Bay Hall, which is wheelchair friendly and completely accessible. There are four different dates to choose from: Oct. 16, Nov. 15, and then two in the new year. Each tea has multiple one-hour seatings to give many a chance to partake. Call to reserve your spot, or tell a friend who you know might benefit! Contact: 604-741-8339 or email [email protected].
Note: a vaccine passport is required for the above event. If you still don’t have yours, call the government service in charge at 1-833-838-2323. If you still have questions, the Resource Centre (number below) can help you figure it out.
Angie Theilmann is an information and referral specialist at the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, your community information hub. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are recommended to be sure we are available to help you. Drop-ins welcome. Contact us: [email protected] or 604-885-4088.
