Mobile clinic set to offer 2nd COVID-19 vaccine dose to vulnerable people in Waterloo region

A mobile health team is starting to administer second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable people in the community.

Erika Liban, a nurse practitioner on the Sanguen Mobile Health bus, says they've been targeting locations around the region since they started to offerthe first dose in March.

"Within the bus, we were able to give around 140 vaccines to our target population," Libansaid. "And now the region's public health has supported us by providing second doses. But of course, we would provide first doses for anybody who may have missed our initial clinics."

Liban says when you factor in vaccinations given by the Inner City Health Alliance and partneragencies, the number of doses given is actually 800.

Weekly appointments

The medical team has scheduled weekly appointments across the region where they meet with clients for primary health care.

Liban says during those meetings they've been able to have conversations and educate people about the vaccines.

"The dependability and respect that we share with our clients gives us the opportunity to educate them. And they're trusting that the information we're giving them is accurate," Libansaid.

"There's always going to be individuals who don't want the vaccine. They also know we respect and trust that decision ... We just work to empower them in making their own decisions."