Dino duo immunize on Pasqua Beach
Sun, sand, surf, and….dinosaurs? Visitors to Pasqua Beach were greeted by a pair of immunizers dressed in giant polyester reptile costumes during a COVID-19 vaccination outreach clinic on Saturday, July 10.
In an effort to generate interest and add a spark of fun into the immunization process, registered nurse Sherry Saint received permission to bring a pair of inflatable dinosaur costumes from home for a Moderna walk-in outreach clinic. Saint and fellow nurse immunizer Jami Bott donned the costumes while providing immunizations.
Saint has traditionally used the costumes to generate laughter among family, friends and neighbours. She was hopeful seeing a T-Rex and Triceratops on the beach would prompt the same response among beach-goers considering vaccination.
“Everyone who saw them laughed,” explained Primary Health Care manager Victoria Sutherland, who organized the clinic. “The best way to get people talking is to be a little silly and get them to come over to ask questions. Outreach clinics mean education as well as vaccination. We wanted to make people aware we were there and to make people laugh. We achieved that.”
The pair put that theory into practise and, on at least one occasion, provided the education necessary to convince a woman who had planned to wait to get Pfizer of the benefits and safety of receiving Moderna for her second dose.
In addition to providing immunizations, the “dino”amic duo was happy to oblige numerous photo requests. Freezies were provided to children as well as to anyone who received the vaccine as a treat to help them cool down during the post-immunization waiting period.
Depending on the heat, the dino suits were tentatively scheduled to make a second appearance at an outreach clinic at Echo Beach on Saturday, July 17.