As vaccine rollout begins for children aged five to 11, it appears the older population of the Tri-Cities is eager to get a booster shot against COVID-19.
The BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) latest data shows 49.6 per cent of regional residents aged 70 years and older have been jabbed a third time — an increase of nearly 15 per cent compared to the previous week.
That's tied for the second-highest rate currently in the Fraser Health authority with South Surrey/White Rock and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, and 12th across B.C.
Individually, three sub-regions are at or above the 50 per cent threshold: Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra (56), southwest Coquitlam (51) and southeast Coquitlam (50).
On the whole, nine per cent of residents aged 12 and older have received a third dose against the virus including those classified as immuno-compromised.
Booster shots are not mandatory, do not impact the B.C. Vaccine Card program and are set to be offered to the general population in the new year.
Eligible Tri-City residents aged 12 and older are also nearing the 90 per cent plateau for two vaccine doses against COVID-19, currently sitting at 89.6 per cent exactly.
To date, the same age group has reached a 91.8 per cent single-dose vaccination rate.
The BCCDC says 87 per cent of the region's school-aged population (12 to 17) have been jabbed twice with vaccines against the virus.
The latest numbers — collected between Nov. 23 and 29 and broken down by sub-region — 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: Two (-3)
- Two per cent positivity rate (-)
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 42 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: Four (+1)
- Three per cent positivity rate (+2)
- 93 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 51 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: Two (-)
- Three per cent positivity rate (+2)
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 50 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: Five (+1)
- Two per cent positivity rate (-)
- 91 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 89 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 49 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: Three (-)
- One per cent positivity rate (-)
- 92 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 12+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 56 per cent of 70+ population vaccinated with a third dose
CHILDREN WELCOME AT VACCINE CLINICS
Fraser Health closed out November in the Tri-Cities by hosting a pop-up clinic over four days at Douglas College's Coquitlam campus.
Starting this weekend, the reoccurring station will continue on six separate occasions in the next two weeks and will be open to all eligible residents seeking a vaccine against COVID-19 — and that includes children aged five to 11.
Located at 1250 Pinetree Way in the Tim Hortons seating area, clinics on the following dates will each take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Dec. 3, 4, 6, 11, 13 and 17
Enter campus from Pinetree Way via the entrance marked with a 'Community Centre/Douglas College' sign. Park in the community centre parking lot on your right - it is pay parking. Cross the street to Douglas College and enter the building.
Eligible residents can walk up with no appointment necessary. You can book an appointment in advance for a smoother visit.
If it's your first dose against COVID-19, you will need your personal health number and a piece of ID.
If it's your second, and it's been at least 28 days since your first, you will need your personal health number, ID and immunization record card.
For more information, you can visit the authority's website.
Meanwhile, all eligible age groups, including children five to 11, can also visit the mass immunization clinic at Coquitlam Central Station's Park and Ride overflow lot.
First, second and third inoculations are being offered. Third jabs are only recommended at this time for eligible residents 70 years and older, as well as those classified as immuno-compromised.
The station's operating hours and drive-thru 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, Sundays and holidays
- 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
