Alberta is set to launch its first mobile vaccination clinic.
In collaboration with a coalition of businesses called Industry for Vaccination, the new clinics will focus on rural communities, hard-to-reach populations, or those working in remote camps where vaccinations may be less accessible, or uptake may be low. They will launch the clinics next week and start a tour of communities throughout the province from there.
According to an Alberta Government press release, the clinics will help to provide first and second doses to communities across the province, help reduce the likelihood of variant outbreaks, and provide a mobilization model for when Alberta shifts from a pandemic response into a likely seasonal campaign.
“Alberta’s private sector has always supported our efforts to get as many Albertans vaccinated as possible. They understand the value of getting our population protected so we can get back to our lives, our work, and past the pandemic,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health in a press release.
“I am grateful that our industry leaders have stepped up to be an active part of Alberta’s vaccination plan, and I know that this mobile clinic will become a valuable tool for our efforts in our province’s more remote areas. Every vaccination will help secure our province’s recovery.”
The Industry for Vaccination Coalition is made up of more than 40 businesses across Canada dedicated to partnering with governments to help facilitate the vaccination of Canadians.
The project was originally founded in Quebec, the coalition has assisted with vaccination efforts across Canada, including in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.
“This project was born out of the question, ‘what can business do to help drive up vaccination rates?’ particularly for hard-to-reach populations or in areas with lower uptake,” said Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta.
“Alberta’s companies felt strongly about being part of the solution and want to play an active role in helping vaccinate Albertans. There is a role for business, working together with government, to help make life better for Albertans so that we can see loved ones again and begin to rebuild.”