New Westminster remains the leader in Fraser Health when it comes to getting children vaccinated against COVID-19 – but 42% of kids are still without their first dose.
As of Jan. 18, 58% of five-to-11-year-olds had received their first dose of Pfizer pediatric vaccine, according to the latest B.C. Centre for Disease Control data.
That's the highest rate of pediatric vaccination in the Fraser Health region, which encompasses 13 local health areas from Burnaby to Hope and surrounding territory. Following close on New West's heels are Burnaby, at 56%; South Surrey/White Rock, at 55%; and the Tri-Cities, at 54%. The lowest rate is in Hope, with a 23% pediatric vaccination rate.
Fraser Health continues to lag behind the Vancouver Coastal Health region, however, as many areas of VCH have now moved past 60%. Leading the way are the Central Coast, at 75%; Vancouver Midtown, at 73%; and North Vancouver, at 72%.
High pediatric vaccination rates are also being reported on the Island in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, at 71% apiece.
The pediatric vaccine is administered in two doses.
B.C. has opted to stick to an eight-week interval between doses, which provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said provides optimal, longer-lasting protection.
Based on that interval, the first children to receive their vaccines in B.C. will be eligible for second doses starting next week (beginning Jan. 24). Second-dose appointments can't be booked until families receive an invitation (via text or email) to do so.
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.?
As of Jan. 18, these are the top most-vaccinated areas for the five-to-11 age group:
Central Coast: 75%
Vancouver Midtown: 73%
North Vancouver: 72%
Greater Victoria: 71%
Saanich Peninsula: 71%
Vancouver Westside: 67%
West Vancouver/Bowen Island: 63%
Vancouver Northeast: 63%
Vancouver City Centre: 63%
Western Communities: 62%
Vancouver Centre North: 61%
Vancouver South: 59%
New Westminster: 58%
Is your child vaccinated? Have you had any trouble getting an appointment? Are you holding off because of concerns over vaccine safety? If you have any thoughts to share, you can email reporter Julie MacLellan.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca.
