Vaccine clinic shows its Pride
Coalition welcomes LGBTQ community, others to get shots at site in southwest
A coalition of Calgary groups is organizing COVID -19 vaccination clinics targeting the city's LGBTQ community, to help ensure a safe party during Pride Week next month.
On Saturday, the Centre for Newcomers (CFN), in collaboration with the End of the Rainbow Foundation, Alberta Health Services, the Alberta government and the City of Calgary, hosted a drop-in Pride outreach COVID -19 vaccine clinic open to all.
A rainbow flag celebrating the LGBTQ spirit on St. Stephen's Church in southwest Calgary invited anyone looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The clinic offered first or second shots of the Moderna vaccine, with up to 400 doses available. The goal was to create a space that not only made people feel welcome but made it as easy as possible to get the vaccine, said Rabah Swaidek, fund development and government relations associate for CFN.
Removing obstacles will help boost vaccination rates, she added.
“People talk about vaccine hesitancy, but that's not the case. It's the barriers,” Swaidek said, noting front-line workers may not have time to visit regular drop-in clinics considering the demands of the pandemic.
“This is the second time we've run these clinics and they've been a huge success. It's just building that trust factor, having a place of worship being accessible to people to come out and get their vaccines.”
Hanson Feng works with CFN'S
LGBTQ program, which provides services and resources for LGBTQ immigrants in Alberta.
He said the vaccination clinic ensures more people are protected and ready to party during Pride Week at the end of August.
“It creates a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ community while preparing them for Pride events for 2021. Doing an outreach clinic ensures that it is safe and responsible on our end to have such a party,” Feng said.
CFN is hosting a free post-vax party in support of sponsoring LGBTQ refugees to Canada and Calgary on Aug. 30 at the Ol' Beautiful Brewing Co. The event's slogan says it all — Get vaxed, waxed and ready to party.
“I think the really strong vaccination program we've seen has allowed us to reopen so quickly, and for us to really lead a normal life. So get out here and get vaccinated.”
CFN and its partners will host other drop-in vaccine clinics weekly, with a second one set for July 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Somali Community Society of Calgary, Swaidek said.
At the Pride outreach clinic was Courtney Walcott, a teacher and Ward 8 city council candidate. He said St. Stephen's Church is an “icon” in the neighbourhood, and he dropped by because of how inclusive the drop-in clinic was.
“Everyone is welcome, and they mean it,” Walcott said.
Monique Auffrey, another candidate for Ward 8 city council, said she appreciated how the clinic removed barriers for people who wanted to get the vaccine but couldn't do so through regular drop-in clinics.
“No barriers, no appointments, no health card. This is about making sure our community stays safe and healthy,” Auffrey said.
As of last week, 57.9 per cent of eligible Albertans were fully vaccinated, with 74.5 per cent having received at least one dose.