The mayor of Sicamous says he is ‘pleasantly surprised’ because all seniors over the age of 60 will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose at an upcoming community clinic.

Terry Rysz says the clinic at the Sicamous Seniors Centre will be open from Wednesday to Friday this week, March 24 to 26, and again on Monday and Tuesday of next week, March 29 and 30.

“We were already in the mode where we were thinking its probably not going to happen with most of our seniors unless we transport them out of the community,” he said. “As they’re doing the roll out, I think they’re just trying to do things that make sense and really, it does make sense for a small community like Sicamous to have the vaccinations right here.”

Rysz tells NL News about 60 per cent of Sicamous’ population is over the age of 65.

“It would have been a challenge to transport people [to other communities], even though we do have two vehicles. We use them when somebody has a specific appointments in Vernon, Kelowna, Salmon Arm, or sometimes as far as Kamloops. But when you’re taking a look at vaccinating a whole pile of people, having them bring the roll out here in Sicamous is absolutely excellent,” Rysz added.

He says there is a buzz in the community now that vaccines are on the way.

“Everybody is really really pleased with this. Its a bit of a relief. Certainly, its a relief for me. I’ve been really concerned about our seniors and getting them vaccinated of course,” Rysz added. “As the mayor, you want to see this happen sooner rather than later, and this is really a good thing for us.”

People 60 and older who live in Malakwa or Swansea Point areas are also eligible to get a vaccine in Sicamous. Similarly, all adults in Logan Lake will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose at a community clinic between April 13 and 16.

Currently, seniors aged 78 and up can call to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments today, after the province revised their schedule last week. People over 77 can start booking tomorrow, those over 76 can start calling on Thursday, while seniors over 75 are eligible this Saturday.

To book an appointment, you’re asked to call Interior Health at 1-877-740-7747.