Nearly two-thirds of New Westminster children now have their first dose of Pfizer pediatric vaccine – but second-dose rates still have a long way to go.
The latest B.C. Centre for Disease Control data shows that, as of Feb. 8, 65% of New West children in the 5-11 age group now have at least one dose of COVID vaccine. That number keeps New Westminster at the top of the municipalities in the Fraser Health region, which stretches from Burnaby to Hope and surrounding territory.
When it comes to second doses, however, New Westminster is somewhat slower out of the gate. Second doses just started rolling out on Jan. 24, and, since then, 10% of New West children have received their second shot. That puts New West behind Chilliwack (11%), Burnaby (12%) and South Surrey/White Rock (13%) in the Fraser Health region.
On a broader provincial level, Fraser Health continues to lag behind Vancouver Coastal Health when it comes to getting shots into children's arms.
Vancouver Coastal has multiple areas where first-dose rates are now above 70%, including the Central Coast (80%), Vancouver Midtown (77%), North Vancouver (76%), Vancouver Westside (71%) and Vancouver Northeast (71%). The Island also has high takeup for pediatric vaccination in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, at 75% each.
Vancouver Coastal also leads the way for second doses, with the highest rates of second-dose vaccination in Vancouver Midtown and North Vancouver, at 28% apiece. The Central Coast and Vancouver Westside have both hit 25%.
Want to get your child vaccinated?
In order to be vaccinated, five-to-11-year-olds must first be registered in B.C.'s Get Vaccinated system, after which time an invitation will be sent (by text or email) to book an appointment.
You can find all the information online at B.C.'s pediatric vaccine page, or call the central vaccination line at 1-833-838-2323.
Who's vaccinating their kids in B.C.?
Here's a look at the most-vaccinated local health areas in the province. Numbers reflect first doses for the 5-11 population as of Feb. 8.
Central Coast: 80%
Vancouver Midtown: 77%
North Vancouver: 76%
Greater Victoria: 75%
Saanich Peninsula: 75%
Vancouver West Side: 71%
Vancouver Northeast: 71%
West Vancouver/Bowen Island: 69%
Vancouver South: 68%
Vancouver City Centre: 67%
Western Communities: 67%
Vancouver Centre North: 66%
New Westminster: 65%
Richmond: 65%
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected].
