Youth Integrated Health Services in downtown Vernon (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

Apr 2, 2026 | 11:07 AM

Youth in the North Okanagan are getting more access to health services.

Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District (CMHA Vernon), in partnership with Interior Health, will open a free drop-in sexual health and immunization clinic for youths aged 12 to 24 on Thursdays starting April 16.

“The focus of the clinic is to be a welcoming, safe space where youth can access the services they need. With no appointment required, we hope to reduce the hesitation and challenges that may exist when youth are seeking health resources,” Mark Fossen, CMHA Vernon’s manager of youth and family integrated services, said.

Operating out of the Youth Integrated Services Hub on 30th Ave. in downtown Vernon, the clinic will offer free immunizations, subject to availability, for HPV-9; hepatitis B; measles, mumps and rubella; tetanus; and chickenpox. Youth who visit the clinic will also be able to check their immunization records and vaccination status.

Health care professionals will also operate out of the clinic to provide free on-site testing for sexually transmitted infections, and provide information about STIs and contraception.

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“We look forward to offering this safe, confidential drop-in space where youth can access information and resources related to sexual health in real-time and be connected with allied care providers where necessary,” Rachel Lund, Interior Health public health nurse, said.

The clinic will be open Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and CMHA Vernon said this service will act as a steppingstone to the launch of Foundry North Okanagan. Construction of the youth health services hub will begin in the spring and is expected to be ready to open by June of 2027.