Northern Health, the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer have jointly approved a whole-community approach to immunizing residents of Prince Rupert and area for COVID-19, as the community continues to see transmission, clusters and outbreaks of COVID-19.
“Prince Rupert has a high COVID-19 case rate and high positivity rate, that has not seen the improvements in recent weeks that are occurring elsewhere in the region,” said Dr. Jong Kim, Northern Health Chief Medical Health Officer. “Quickly vaccinating the entire community is a great way to protect everyone in Prince Rupert, and keep them safe.”
Beginning Friday March 12, residents of Prince Rupert and nearby Port Edward can call a dedicated number to book an appointment for COVID-19 immunization, at clinics that will begin on Monday, March 15 and continue through to April 1, 2021. The dedicated phone number for Prince Rupert residents to begin calling on March 12, will be made available, soon.
The vaccinations will happen in groups, with older residents being vaccinated first. All Prince Rupert residents must phone ahead, to book an appointment, according to the following schedule:
| Age range | You can book your vaccination: | You can get your vaccination: |
|---|---|---|
| 65 - 90+ | March 12 – March 13 | March 15 - 20 |
| 50 - 64 | March 14 – March 15 | March 22 - 27 |
| 40 - 49 | March 16 – March 17 | March 22 - 27 |
| 18 - 39 | March 18 and on | March 29 - April 1 |
COVID-19 immunization clinics for Prince Rupert and Port Edward residents will be held at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre (1000 McBride St., Prince Rupert). Northern Health is also continuing to immunize people living and working in independent living centres and senior’s supportive housing, as well as long-term home support clients and staff – and is reaching out directly to those groups to arrange vaccine appointments. Patients and staff (not already immunized in Phase 1) at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, will also receive the COVID-19 vaccine over the coming three weeks.
The Prince Rupert-specific vaccine appointment call centre expects to have high call volumes, and we appreciate resident’s patience. If it’s not your turn yet, please do not call in to book an appointment. Everyone who is eligible to book a vaccination appointment will be able to do so, and once you become eligible, you are always eligible.
For more details on COVID-19 Phase 2 COVID-19 plans across the NH region, including community-specific appointment booking eligibilities and clinic locations.