The rate of COVID-19 vaccination among New Westminster kids has inched up slightly during the month of May — but only slightly.
New Westminster's COVID vaccination rates have made only incremental moves in the past three weeks, according to the latest data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
The month has brought slight upward movement for pediatric vaccination (five-to-11-year-olds). As of May 23, 69% of that age group had received one dose of vaccine and 56% had received two doses. Those numbers are up slightly from 68% and 54%, respectively, as of May 1. New Westminster continues to lead Fraser Health (the region stretching from Burnaby to Hope and surrounding territory) when it comes to pediatric vaccination.
As of May 23, New Westminster's overall vaccination rate for adults (18+) stood at 96% for one dose, 95% for two doses and just 66% for three doses — exactly the same as the numbers on May 1.
The city's vaccination rates for all adult age groups remain consistently high, with first-dose rates of 93% or more for all age groups, and second-dose rates of at least 92% across the board.
Third-dose rates, however, continue to lag. Among 12-to-17-year-olds, third doses stand at just 49%, while younger adults (18 to 49) have a third-dose rate of just 59%. Older adults have higher rates, with the 50+ group at 76% and the 70+ group at 83%. All of those rates are up one percentage point apiece since May 1.
How to get a COVID booster dose in B.C.
Everyone 12 and over who has received their first two doses of vaccine is eligible for a third dose six months after their second. (That interval is reduced to eight weeks for anyone who is pregnant.)
Fourth doses are also available for a small group of high-risk individuals: residents of long-term care, Indigenous people aged 55+, and all adults 70+. Those who are eligible for the fourth dose (second booster) can get it six months after their third dose (first booster).
You can find all the details, ensure you're registered and book appointments through the B.C. Get Vaccinated website.
What are vaccination rates like in New Westminster?
Here's how vaccination rates look across the board as of May 23 (numbers as of May 1 in brackets):
First dose:
5-11: 69% (68%)
5+: 95% (95%)
12-17: 96% (96%)
18+: 96% (96%)
18-49: 99% (99%)
50+: 93% (93%)
70+: 94% (94%)
Second dose:
5-11: 56% (54%)
5+: 92% (92%)
12-17: 93% (92%)
18+: 95% (95%)
18-49: 97% (97%)
50+: 92% (92%)
70+: 92% (92%)
Third dose:
12-17: 49% (48%)
5+: 61% (61%)
18+: 66% (65%)
18-49: 59% (58%)
50+: 76% (75%)
70+: 83% (82%)
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