As demand for COVID-19 shots fades, underserved communities face multiple healthcare barriers again

While any Canadians are finding it easier than ever to get COVID-19 shots now that many pharmacies offer them, access to vaccines and boosters dwindled for some. In parts of the country, pop-up clinics, mass vaccination clinics and outreach programs are less frequent and less active as demand declines. Yet for underserved populations, the return of barriers, including distance to vaccination sites, the need to make appointments and a lack of clear information about why and how to get their doses, is creating %challenges at an inopportune time. Research from the University of Waterloo showed there are “vaccine deserts” in parts of Ont. For example, though nearly 75% the province's community pharmacists are authorized to give vaccines, some areas have limited to no access. The researchers found this to be the case particularly in rural areas, but they note that there isn’t always a nearby pharmacy even in urban areas.