DAWSON CITY – The Robert Service School gymnasium has turned into a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the rest of this week.

Beginning Tuesday, people arrived to get their first dose of the Moderna medication.

Premier Sandy Silver, who represents the Klondike riding, received his shot that day.

Afternoon appointments went smoothly, but those after 5 p.m. found themselves having to wait outside the school in -32 C temperatures before joining the lineups in the foyer.

Once inside, the process was very smooth.

People were called to enter the gym according to their pre-registration times.

Inside, they were quizzed about their health status, and given information about the vaccine and a health card. They waited in well-spaced seats for one of the seven stations to become available, and were then given their shot.

Following that, as is standard in all vaccine situations, they had to wait for 15 minutes in seating at the left side of the room in case of a reaction of any kind before departing, taking with them the card they will return with to get filled in when the second dose becomes available.

Meanwhile, in Whitehorse, COVID-19 vaccination clinic is now open to Yukon residents aged 60 years and more.

The change was announced Tuesday morning via social media on the Yukon government websites.

It’s the second change to the eligible ages in less than a week following controversy over the lack of people signing up for appointments over the internet and telephone.

Last weekend, the government changed the eligible ages from 70-plus to 60-plus.

Many of the appointment slots are still going unfilled, creating the opportunity to expand the vaccine process.