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COVID Cruiser: Health officials take vaccinations on the road in rural Newfoundland

Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are hitting the road, working to try to boost COVID-19 vaccination in rural pockets across the province.

Vaccination van aiming to push shots in rural communities

COVID-19 vaccine van hits Bell Island

3 years ago
Duration 2:21
Eastern Health is rolling out a new approach to COVID-19 vaccination. The health authority is calling it the 'COVID cruiser' — a cargo van outfitted like a mini clinic. The plan is to drive around communities and and dole out first and second doses. First stop: Bell Island.

Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are hitting the road, working to try to boost COVID-19 vaccination in rural pockets across the province.

Eastern Health's journey started Friday, when the "COVID Cruiser" drove off the ferry on Bell Island. The entire operation is run out of the van, with vaccines, bandages and a cushioned chair bolted to the floor for people to sit in.

The cruiser makes its way through the town on a set route but will stop for anyone looking to get the shot. It's the latest move in a push to raise vaccination rates across the province, including Bell Island, which has the lowest rate of any area in the province.

Check out the COVID Cruiser in action in the video above.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

With files from Katie Breen