Winnipeg doctor with vaccine surplus sets up pop-up clinic in the park
Posted April 25, 2021 3:40 pm.
Last Updated April 26, 2021 11:09 am.
WINNIPEG (CityNews) — A Winnipeg doctor with a COVID-19 vaccine surplus needed to find a way to use her supply without letting it go to waste.
That’s how “Poked in the Park” was born, a pop-up vaccination clinic set up by Dr. Leslea Walters, an obstetrician-gynecologist.
“The pressure was, I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I had doses in my fridge and no plan to give them out,” said Walters.
After signing up to be a vaccinator, Walters received her shipment of doses but ran into an issue.
“It is the AstraZeneca vaccine which is only for people aged 40 and up at the moment, so not many of my pregnant patients are eligible right now,” she said.
That meant she had supply, but no patients to give them to.
“I had 12 vials, about 120 doses in my fridge with no plan.”
READ MORE: Pregnant women with COVID-19 have higher chance of birth-related complications: research
That’s where the idea for “Poked in the Park” originated. Walters set up the pop-up vaccination clinic in Nellie McClung Park to get doses into the arms of eligible community members.
“Way less stress being outside, being socially distanced and being with health-care professionals that are calm and cool in the fresh air, surrounded by trees in Wolseley,” said one Winnipegger. “It was perfect.”
Added another: “I feel great. I feel like running home. I’m very happy to have it accomplished.”
READ MORE: Manitoba releases list of areas to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination
Walters is now awaiting an adjustment on the AstraZeneca eligibility, which she hopes is around the corner.
“I’m hoping to be able to give this to my own pregnant patients who are under 40 as early as next week if the government changes its guidelines,” she said.
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