Montreal pharmacist on private mission to create ultra-safe vax clinic for immunocompromised
For the immunocompromised, COVID-19 vaccines can be a double-edged sword. It's essential for them to get the shots -- but doing so can mean standing in crowded lineups, potentially exposed to the thing they most want to avoid.
That's why one Montreal pharmacist decided to turn his small space into a special, ultra-safe vax clinic for this group.
"This is a group of people that have been literally staying at home for two years, and now with the guise of protecting them, we're putting them at the most significant risk they've endured so far," said Daron Basmadjian, the pharmacist at Proxim Arto Basmadjian.
The pharmacy is a small one near the Montreal General Hospital, and it's normally closed on weekends, but now it's opening during off-hours just for one person at a time, to make sure that immunocompromised clients can get their shots with a minimum of risk.
They're also allowed to wait in their cars during the 15-minute observation period, among other specially designed accommodations.
For people whose bodies produce almost no antibodies, the idea is a big relief.
"Other than a few critical medical appointments, I have not been in an indoor space other than my own residence in pretty much two years," explained Ryan Partridge, one of the clinic's vaccine clients.
People are so desperate for this kind of service that they've been driving to the pharmacy from the West Island, Laval, the South Shore and other areas, Basmadjian said.
Anxiety has grown with Omicron, given how contagious it is, he said. This week he took to Twitter to publicize his system.
In this private mission, he's booking appointments by personal email, at basmadjianpharm@gmail.com.
Many immunocompromised people are now on their fourth shots, after becoming eligible for boosters earlier than the general population.
For more information, watch the video above.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.