The COVID-19 vaccination supersite in Steinbach officially opens its doors today.

The facility located at the former Steinbach Legion Hall will start immunizing clients at 1 pm with the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Those wanting to get vaccinated are advised to book an appointment and to bring their completed consent form when they go to the supersite. Vaccination clients can park at the arena lot across the street, while those with mobility issues can use the SCU parking area.

MLA Goertzen, Reeve Toews and Mayor Funk at the Steinbach vaccine supersiteSteinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen, Mayor Earl Funk and Hanover Reeve Stan Toews attended a tour of the facility last Friday.  After the event, they provided comments about the hesitation of some residents in getting the vaccine. 

“Do your homework, study up and when you're ready, make your appointment and get the vaccine,” encouraged the mayor.

For his part, Goertzen asked those who are hesitant to consider getting vaccinated out of a sense of community and for the area's reputation for helpfulness.

“We are known Canada-wide and maybe worldwide for helping other people. This is a way you can help, not just yourself in terms of protection, but help your neighbour. Maybe you don't feel that you're vulnerable to COVID, but that doesn't mean that people you might come into contact with aren't. And it's an opportunity to put those values into place where we help other people by doing something in a demonstrable way.”

As for Reeve Toews, he shared that he already received his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from the Winnipeg supersite.