The Tri-Cities' youngest cohort of vaccine-takers against COVID-19 can start getting immunized today (Aug. 2).
B.C.'s latest vaccine rollout against the virus now includes young children between the ages of six months to four years old after Health Canada approved Moderna's mRNA vaccine and recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
The Newport Public Health Unit in Port Moody has been chosen by Fraser Health to act as the Tri-Cities' regional station — located at #200 205 Newport Dr. across from city hall.
As well, standalone children's clinics are set to offer the modified pediatric vaccine, which is a two-dose series and families will receive an invitation for the second appointment about eight weeks after the first.
Pediatric vaccines will not be available at pharmacies.
Parents of children younger than six months old can register to receive an invitation to book an appointment when the child is old enough.
Children who have recently had COVID-19 can get the vaccine eight weeks after their symptoms started or they tested positive.
Appointments at the Newport Public Health Unit can be booked during its operating hours, which is currently listed as follows, but might be subject to change:
- 9 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. (weekdays)
- 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. (weekends)
Parents and guardians can register their kids online via B.C.'s GetVaccinated online portal; an invitation to book an appointment will then be sent via text, email or phone call.
You can also visit the province's website for more information or call 1-833-838-2323.
Vaccinations became available for children five to 11 years old in November 2021.
In that age group, the Tri-Cities currently has a 54 per cent double-vaccination average — the third highest in Fraser Health and 16th in all of B.C. — with Port Moody kids (61 per cent) leading the way.
Second clinic
Fraser Health also has its ongoing multi-vaccination clinic based in Coquitlam for anyone seeking a dose against COVID-19.
The Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) is taking appointments for first, second and third shots against the virus, as well as vaccines for other diseases, seven days a week from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
This includes:
- 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
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic. Booking an appointment in advance is preferred, says Fraser Health.
- with files from Nina Grossman, Times Colonist
