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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.