Just 54% of New Westminster children are fully vaccinated against COVID, and just two-thirds of adults have their booster dose — and it doesn't look like those numbers are going to climb.
New Westminster's vaccination rates have stalled out, as of the latest data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, even while COVID-19 case counts in New West are climbing.
As of May 1, 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. On all of those fronts, it's ahead of the B.C. numbers: 94%, 92% and 60%, respectively.
The city's vaccination rates for all adult age groups remain consistently high (at rates of 92% or higher) for first and second doses, but lag for third doses (or booster shots): 58% for 18-49, 75% for 50+ and 82% for 70+. All of those numbers remain unchanged over last week.
The least vaccinated age group in New West remains the five-to-11 group. Children aged five to 11 are eligible for two doses of vaccine, but just 54% of kids in that age group have both shots. For first doses, the pediatric vaccination rate remains at 68%, where it's now been sitting for a month.
New Westminster's pediatric vaccinate rate remains higher than the B.C. overall numbers — 57% for one dose and 42% for two doses, as of May 1.
New Westminster and neighbouring Burnaby continue to lead the pack among Fraser Health municipalities. Burnaby also has a 54% second-dose rate, and its first-dose rate has now crept up to 69%.
The highest pediatric vaccination rates in B.C. continue to be in Vancouver Coastal Health. Vancouver Midtown remains a leader, with an 80% first-dose vaccination rate among children five to 11, and a 69% second-dose rate.
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 1 (numbers as of April 24 in brackets):
First dose:
5-11: 68% (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: 54% (54%)
5+: 92% (92%)
12-17: 92% (92%)
18+: 95% (95%)
18-49: 97% (97%)
50+: 92% (92%)
70+: 92% (92%)
Third dose:
12-17: 48% (48%)
5+: 61% (61%)
18+: 66% (65%)
18-49: 58% (58%)
50+: 75% (75%)
70+: 82% (82%)
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
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