St. John's Ambulance therapy dog 'Shadow' greeted vaccine recipients today at the TCC (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

WALK-IN WEDNESDAY

With live music, therapy dogs, and smoothies, Interior Health takes comfort-based approach to vaccinations

Aug 4, 2021 | 5:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — With live music, therapy dogs on site, and free smoothies, Interior Health aimed to make the Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) vaccination clinic feel laid-back and approachable this week.

Walk-In Wednesday is part of a provincial initiative to boost vaccine uptake. Today (Aug. 4) a brass band performed in the TCC, free smoothies were offered to the first 100 walk-ins, and St. John’s Ambulance brought a team of therapy dogs.

Kris Weatherman is an IH project lead for mass immunization and says those who have come in have appreciated the efforts.

“We’ve had good feedback. We’ve seen over 100 walk-ins this morning, so that’s between 9 a.m. and now (11:30 a.m.), so that’s good,” Weatherman said.

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Immunization rates in B.C. have slowed down, and the province is trying new approaches to remove any barriers in getting the vaccine. Clinics now have more flexible hours, appointments aren’t needed, and adjustments have been made to make the experience feel less “clinical”.

“Our clinic here at the TCC has been going seven days for the last several months,” noted Weatherman, “They can still book online for an appointment, but they can also drop-in.”

As part of Walk-In Wednesday, a rotating team of St. John’s Ambulance therapy dogs quietly made their way through the gym to greet vaccine recipients and volunteers.

“I’ve observed her walking through our recovery area, and it just seems to be a real source of comfort and support – especially for our younger clients.”

The pop-up clinics and Walk-In Wednesday are designed firstly with convenience in mind, but health authorities are also taking a comfort-based approach – for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Outside the clinic, CFJC spoke with Taylor Rae- who had just received her second dose.

“The music is really nice. It’s nice to have some entertainment – makes that 15-minute wait go by faster for sure.”

Safe Sectionals brass band performs at the TCC vaccination clinic on Wednesday. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

Aside from the free smoothies and therapy dog time, Rae and others who stopped in for a first or second dose were extra glad to have made the trip.

“It actually feels really good for me.” said Rae, “My mum was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year, so finally having my second dose, I’m going to feel a lot safer being around her. Especially still working with the public a lot on a regular basis.”

Interior Health says its waiting to hear from the province whether Walk-In Wednesday will become a regular event, but it’ll continue with pop-up clinics and existing walk-in options in the meantime.