Another milestone is within reach for the Tri-Cities as vaccinations continue to roll-out for eligible residents, young and old.
Today (Jan. 26), the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) reports the immunization average has increased to nearly 60 per cent among kids aged five to 11 living in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
At 57 per cent, it's the third highest rate compared to other jurisdictions across Fraser Health — 16th in all of B.C.
The Tri-Cities neighbouring communities of New Westminster and Burnaby have already respectively reached the 60 per cent first-dose plateau for kids.
The Central Coast of Vancouver Island currently has the highest first-dose vaccination average among B.C. sub-regions at 76 per cent.
Boosters are also appearing to be on a steady distribution network in the region.
In one week, there was a seven per cent increase to 44 among eligible Tri-City residents aged 12 years and older, which includes a 61 per cent average for the 50-and-up group, as well as 78 per cent for seniors above 70 years old.
The latest surveillance numbers — collected between Jan. 18-24, 2022, by the BCCDC — are as follows. Case rates represent new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: 25 (-6)
- 46 per cent positivity rate
- 59 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 93 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 73 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: 25 (-5)
- 41 per cent positivity rate
- 54 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 95 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 93 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 78 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: 23 (-6)
- 40 per cent positivity rate
- 55 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 78 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: 30 (-7)
- 38 per cent positivity rate
- 53 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 78 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: 21 (-12)
- 34 per cent positivity rate
- 65 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 93 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 82 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
MORE CASES AT OUTBREAK
The Tri-City News has been told six new infections of COVID-19 were found at Lakeshore Care Centre in Coquitlam.
That brings the latest outbreak's up-to-date total to 21 since the declaration was announced on Jan. 19, which includes 18 residents and three staff.
Fraser Health confirms there have been no deaths linked to the virus thus far at the long-term care facility — owned and operated by The Care Group.
"Our priority continues to be to protect the health and safety of all residents and staff in our long-term care and assisted living facilities," said spokesperson Dixon Tam in a statement.
VACCINE CLINICS
The Poirier Forum in Coquitlam has officially reopened on Tuesday (Jan. 25) for vaccinations against COVID-19 for the first time since early September.
At 25,000 sq. ft., it's serving as one of the larger clinics across Fraser Health and is focusing on providing booster doses as well as inaugural inoculations for children aged five to 11.
First and second doses are also available for all eligible residents, who can book an appointment for any time between 10:45 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. seven days a week— the Poirier Forum clinic's official hours of operation.
Meanwhile, the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station's park and ride overflow lot is also still serving as a mass immunization clinic and testing centre.
Its operating hours and entry instructions are as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. = Saturdays and Sundays
- Entrance off Mariner Way – east side of Rona. Proceed down the ramp and turn right
- The address will direct you to the main lot on the left but COVID-19 Services are located in the overflow lot to the right
- Do not cut through the Rona parking lot. Please follow the signs
Anyone seeking a vaccine against COVID-19 is encouraged to register via B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal or call 1-833-838-2323.
You can also visit the province's website for more information on its COVID-19 immunization plan.
