Elders with the Tk'emlups Indian Band started to be vaccinated on Wednesday at Moccasin Square Garden on reserve (Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds)

By Chad Klassen

TK'EMLUPS VACCINE CLINIC

Tk’emlups Band opens COVID-19 vaccine clinic, starting with elders

Mar 17, 2021 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — Two days after the City of Kamloops opened the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic at McArthur Island, Tk’emlups te Secwepemc is starting to welcome elders who would like to be vaccinated.

The clinic is at Moccasin Square Garden and will run until March 29. The first day ran from 12:30 to four on Wednesday, but the Q’wemtsin Health Society will operate the clinic throughout the day starting Thursday. The society says it’s important for everyone to get the vaccine.

“The vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves against COVID-19. In clinical trials, those that were vaccinated were 95 per cent less likely to become sick with COVID-19,” said primary healthcare manager for Q’wemtsin Health Society Sarin Burke. “When you get vaccinated, you not only protect others but those that are unable to get the vaccine as well.”

The Q’wemtsin Health Society — which looks after Tk’emlups, Whispering Pines and Skeetchestn — has already vaccinated members of the latter two bands. Tk’emlups elders who received the COVID vaccine on the first day say it’s a step in the right direction.

Question of the Week

Do you think a minority government could be a positive for British Columbia?

Oct 21, 2024

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Oct. 14

Oct 20, 2024

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The mind doesn't always listen

Oct 20, 2024

“It’s a great relief to finally get it,” said Virgil Lysgaard. “We’ve been waiting for a year now for some kind of thing.”

Nancyanne Mitchell added, “My husband thinks it’s a good idea. It’s better than not having it.”

“Drop in the bucket, partner,” joked Russell Casimir. I think all the people should get it. If they can figure out if babies can get it, that would be awesome. We’ll be walking through this COVID in a fast pace.”

There are no walk-ins accepted. To book a COVID-19 vaccine, you can call 250-314-6732.