The Tri-Cities has reached yet another significant milestone in B.C.'s vaccination process against COVID-19.
It appears eligible residents aged five years and older are still choosing to be inoculated with a booster dose against the virus.
And in doing so the last week, the region sits at a 60 per cent average rate — now the third highest in all of Fraser Health in a tie with South Surrey/White Rock — across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
The number sat at 59 per cent for the last several weeks with no significant push by local age groups to increase the region's total.
However, the uptick was made possible for seniors and middle-aged residents, according the BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC) latest available data.
Eligible residents aged 70 and older bumped up to nearly 85 per cent in the last reporting period, while those between 18 and 49 years old are nearing the half-way mark with a modest triple-vaccination increase to 47 per cent.
Broken down by sub-region, the latest BCCDC 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
The Tri-Cities' 60 per cent three-dose rate among those aged five and older is nearing its neighbour communities of New Westminster and Burnaby, who are the top two Fraser Health regions at 62 and 61 per cent respectively.
It's also the 15th highest average in all of B.C., but higher than any community in Interior Health and Northern Health.
Single- (92) and double-vaccination statuses (90) remain the same among eligible Tri-Cities residents.
Fall rollout
Inoculations against COVID-19 will also soon be available for children aged six months to four years.
B.C. clinics are opening soon after Health Canada recently approved Moderna's vaccine for kids, with parents set to receive invitations to book an appointment for their children starting Aug. 2.
There are about 208,000 eligible babies and children in B.C. in that age category.
Acting provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie says they know the vaccines are safe and have helped the province weather the pandemic.
As well, provincial health officials are still encouraging anyone who has not received their next dose of vaccine against COVID-19 to do so soon.
B.C. has a plan to expand the eligibility for a second booster shot in the fall beyond its current availability for seniors over 70, Indigenous people 55 and older, and those living in residential care homes, as well as the extremely and clinically vulnerable.
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.
Clinic schedule change
Fraser Health has changed the hours of its multi-vaccination clinic in Coquitlam.
The authority's website states the station inside the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) is now operating from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. — which is also two hours shorter than its original 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule.
The clinic appears to still be open seven days a week for anyone seeking a first, second and third vaccine dose against COVID-19, as well as other diseases.
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
Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic. Booking an appointment in advance is preferred, says Fraser Health.
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, and The Canadian Press
