When U.S.-Canada border reopens, Whatcom could become a popular spot for this

If reopening the U.S.-Canada border becomes a reality later this month, Whatcom County could become a popular destination for Canadians seeking a second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s possible, given how few Canadians are fully vaccinated at this point. While more than 60% of the Canadian adults have received one shot of the vaccine, only 7% are fully vaccinated, according to Canadian government data through May 29.

How the two governments handle the reopening of the border will play a key role in whether Canadians can get vaccine shots in Whatcom County, said Laurie Trautman, director at Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute. One possible Canadian policy for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers would be to get tested at the border. This would allow Canadians to get a shot while potentially avoiding the 14-day mandatory quarantine if it were lifted based on a negative test.