Regina sports vaccination clinics a success
In the past few weeks, more than 1,000 people have been vaccinated for COVID-19 at pop-up clinics at sporting venues across Regina.
Here’s what vaccinators at some of the clinics had to say:
“Word travels fast! The Regina Rugby Club vaccination clinic on June 17 lined up quite quickly once the word got out,” said Tracy Albinet, manager of Pandemic Response. “We originally thought this clinic would be for beach volleyball players of the Regina Summer Sand Volleyball League and rugby players out for practice, but word travels and we lined up instantly! Management at the Rugby Club was so great and accommodating, and very excited to have us."
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"Lots of very grateful people expressed thanks to our staff for taking the time to do a pop-up clinic on June 18 for Football Saskatchewan’s Youth Flag Football team,” said Lori Moberly, primary health care nurse and clinic lead. “Several parents traded off watching their kids playing and coming to get immunized."
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"It was an excellent partnership opportunity,” said Cory Brossart, manager of Emergency Medical Services. He was referring to the June 29 pop-up clinic on Liebel Field for Regina Minor Football that had people lined up all night for vaccine. “Parents are not typically allowed at try-outs but to facilitate immunization of their youth and families, they opened it up to the parents as well."
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Dr. Shain Thakrar, an emergency room physician and member of Regina’s vaccination team, said the response from both staff and the public to the clinics has been great.
“Having the opportunity to return to Mosaic Stadium and be on the field only a few months away from being able to watch the Riders play was very exciting,” said Thakrar of the clinic at Mosaic Stadium held on June 18.
“The vaccination team continues to explore ways to partner with communities and organizations to make accessing the COVID-19 vaccine as quick, safe and convenient as possible,” he continued. “In addition to our standard drive-thru, pharmacies, booked appointments and walk-in clinics at Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities, we recognize the importance of mobile pop-up clinics to bring the vaccine as close as possible to where people work, gather and play.
“If you have not received your first dose, or are eligible for your second dose, we look forward to seeing you at one of the many clinics planned this summer. Thank you for protecting yourself and Saskatchewan!”
