New Brunswick’s health minister says they are doing everything they can to encourage people to get vaccinated.
Public Health hoped to have 75 per cent of eligible residents at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 by this past Monday.
As of Wednesday morning, 72.2 per cent had received at least one dose — about 19,000 people away from the goal.
The 75 per cent target is needed for the province to move to the first phase of its “Path to Green” plan and begin loosening pandemic restrictions.
“We want people to come out and get their first dose,” Dorothy Shephard said in a phone interview Wednesday.
Shephard said with vaccine supply and vaccinators in place, they want to do everything they can to get people to the clinics.
The province is working with the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation to reduce barriers for those still looking to get their first dose, she said.
“If there are individuals who need a drive, who can’t ask their neighbours, we want to know about it … and we’re going to do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for those who are left to receive that first dose,” said Shephard.
The Horizon and Vitalité health networks are hosting clinics around the province, including a walk-in clinic at Saint John’s Exhibition Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
Residents who are in need of transportation to get to a clinic can call 1-833-437-1424.
Eligible New Brunswickers can also book an appointment for their first dose by contacting a participating pharmacy.
“We’re going to pull out all the stops to get us not just to 75 [per cent] but beyond that to as many people as possible,” said Shephard.
As for when New Brunswick will reach that 75 per cent target, Shephard did not want to commit to a firm date.
“I don’t want to say that we’re gonna reach it by Friday because I’m really hopeful that we’re gonna get there any day, but the fact is we don’t want to disappoint people.”
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