Calgary homeless shelters opening their doors to COVID-19 vaccines

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Those in Calgary’s homeless population will have easier access to the COVID-19 vaccine starting Tuesday.

The Mustard Seed said it’s receiving vaccine supplies from the province to hand out to homeless people who want them.

The first vaccine clinic is being held at its main shelter in south Calgary.

Samantha Lowe with the organization said they’re working with Alberta Health Services and other agencies to help administer the doses.

“We are able to provide on-site vaccinations to individuals who have ID, don’t have ID through extra paperwork, really just supporting that population in reducing the amount of barriers to them accessing the vaccine.”

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Lowe said they’re keeping tallies of who wants shots so they don’t waste any vaccines.

She added there are a lot of barriers for homeless people to access vaccinations and other levels of health care.

“Being able to provide vaccines in shelter settings is really essential to protecting our population and also ensuring that they are able to access such a crucial thing during this pandemic.”

In a statement, Alberta Health said receiving the vaccine is not linked to having your provincial health card and that officials are working with shelters to make sure their clients can easily get the shot.

Vaccinating homeless populations and shelter staff is a part of Phase 2C of the province’s roll out which started April 12.

As for vaccinations at other shelters, Alberta Health said that AHS officials will contact shelters directly to arrange times and dates for giving out vaccines.

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