Chief Medical Officer of New Brunswick, Dr. Jennifer Russell, sat down with Vicki Hogarth to discuss the implementation of walk-in mobile clinics in Charlotte County for the COVID-19 vaccination process. 

The province will be launching two walk-on mobile clinics in Charlotte County. These clinics will be located in St. Andrews and in Blacks Harbour. The St.Andrews location will be accessible behind Sheriff Andrew’s house on Thursday from 8:30am to 1:00pm, and the Black’s Harbour Location will be accessible at the Fundy Arena between 9:30am and 4:00pm. The purpose of opening these walk-in clinics will be to assist the pre-established vaccination stations in ensuring that all New Brunswick residents will have accessibility to the vaccine for those over the age of 18. 

The clinics will provide anyone who has yet to receive their first dose with the opportunity to pursue that option, and as well as anyone who is awaiting their second dosage. All that is required is your medical card and, if this is your second dose, your COVID-19 vaccination records.

These clinics will be offering individuals the Moderna vaccine as it is “more portable and does not require the same cold storage temperatures as the Pfizer vaccine,” says Hogarth. This, however, will not negatively affect anyone who received the Pfizer vaccine for their first dose. “The interchangeability of the MRNA vaccines is completely acceptable,” adds Dr. Russell, “They are equivalent in terms of side effects and there is some evidence that it could potentially provide a stronger immune response.” 

Between requesting large quantities of the Moderna vaccine and the implementation of walk-in clinics, the province will be granted more flexibility “with respect to organizing our clinics to make sure we are not missing a beat.” As of right now, 78.5% of New Brunswickers aged 12 and up have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 41.6% are fully vaccinated. Additionally, based on the capacity and number of doses ready available, it is likely that New Brunswickers will see phase 3 earlier than August 2nd.

“There are many many things to consider when making personal choices about protecting our own health, but when you get vaccinated you are not just protecting yourself. Think about it as something that you can do for others.”