The Tri-Cities appeared to be quiet this past week in terms of potential increases to vaccination rates against COVID-19.
This is despite the B.C. government's recently announced plans to widen the eligibility for booster doses in the fall — both first and second depending on age and time between shots.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) reported a small uptick in first doses among children aged five to 11 in north Coquitlam, now at a 67 per cent rate, and third doses in Port Moody adults aged 18 to 49, officially reaching 60 per cent in the last seven days.
As well, the Tri-Cities is now at a 54 per cent double-vaccination average among kids aged five to 11.
That's currently the third highest in all of Fraser Health behind neighbouring communities New Westminster (58) and Burnaby (57).
Port Moody leads the authority in the same category at 61 per cent when broken down by municipality.
Children in the region became eligible for a second dose against COVID-19 around late January and early February, which was roughly eight weeks after bookins for first immunizations were offered to the age group.
However, as of this publication (July 13), the new plateaus kept the overall regional rates at a standstill.
This includes single- (92), double- (90) and triple-vaccination statuses rates (59) among all eligible residents above the age of five.
The latest surveillance numbers are as follows:
North Coquitlam
- 67 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 58 per cent of 18-49 population vaccinated with a third dose
- 74 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- 65 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 94 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 56 per cent of 18-49 population vaccinated with a third dose
- 76 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- 64 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 55 per cent of 18-49 population vaccinated with a third dose
- 75 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- 61 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 88 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 53 per cent of 18-49 population vaccinated with a third dose
- 77 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody–Anmore–Belcarra
- 71 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 92 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 60 per cent of 18-49 population vaccinated with a third dose
- 79 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Fall plans
In the meantime, provincial heath officials are encouraging anyone who has not received their next dose of vaccine against COVID-19 to do so soon.
During a July 8 news conference, Dr. Penny Ballem, who is leading the B.C.'s vaccine roll-out, said a new batch of invitations were going out this week to those aged 65 and older and the plan is to expand the eligibility for a fourth dose in the fall.
Details are still unclear on exactly when different age groups will be eligible. A timeline for shot is expected to take place between September and December when there's a greater risk of seasonal spread.
However, B.C. health minister Adrian Dix explained those 12 and older who have had third doses of the vaccine will be eligible for fourth doses once they have gone 182 days after their third dose.
Right now, the province only allows people to get second booster shots if they are 70 years of age or older, Indigenous people aged 55 years or older, in residential care homes or extremely clinically vulnerable.
Recent Health Canada data show that only 5.2 per cent of British Columbians have had two booster doses or four vaccine doses. That is last among the eight provinces that report such data. In Quebec, for example, 13.2 per cent of the population has had two booster doses, according to Health Canada.
Ballem said one tweak to the regulations is that those who believe they are vulnerable can contact the BCCDC.
"If you really feel that you've got special circumstances, you can give the call centre a call, and we'll arrange for you to have a booster," she said, while also stressing that vaccinations effectively prevent COVID-19 illnesses, or at least make bouts of illness less severe.
Vaccine clinic
Meanwhile, Fraser Health has a vaccination clinic in Coquitlam for all eligible Tri-City residents still looking to get a dose against COVID-19.
Authority nurses and staff are set up inside the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) booking and delivering vaccinations against the virus, as well as other diseases.
The clinic is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and first, second and third doses are available.
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic.
Some of the vaccines offered include:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- For eligible children and adolescents aged five and older
- Tdap-IPV vaccine
- Protects against tetanus diphtheria, whooping cough and polio
- MMRV vaccine
- Protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
Before receiving a dose against COVID-19, Tri-City residents are 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.
- with files from Glen Korstrom, Business In Vancouver
