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Nearly 60% of eligible Tri-City adults now triple-vaccinated against COVID-19

Residents aged 18 to 49 in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are among the leading regions in Fraser Health for booster doses.
COVID vaccine shot - getty
A person receives a vaccination against COVID-19.

It appears eligible Tri-City adults are still choosing to get a third dose against COVID-19, while others may be seeking a fourth dose wherever its available.

As of this publication (July 6), those aged 18 to 49 in the region have nearly reached a 60 per cent triple-vaccination rate against the virus in a seemingly modest month-to-month increase.

The data accounts for recorded vaccinations as of June 26, published by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

The same age group sat at a 55 per cent average booster rate for at least one month prior to this week's update.

The Tri-Cities are currently matching Burnaby's and New Westminster's three-dose sub-regional rate for adults aged 18 to 49, rounding out the top three in the category for all of Fraser Health.

Broken down, Port Moody has already hit the 60 per cent mark, which also includes those living in Anmore and Belcarra.

Coquitlam currently boasts 56 per cent triple-vaccination average, while Port Coquitlam is not far behind at 53 per cent.

The latest 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

  • 64 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
  • 59 per cent of 18-49 population vaccinated with a third dose
  • 79 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose

Meanwhile, single- (92), double- (90) and triple-vaccine rates (59) have not changed in the Tri-Cities in terms of all eligible residents above the age of five.

BCCDC 18-49 Tri-City third dose vaccinations - June 26, 2022
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra has reached the 60 per cent threshold for booster doses against COVID-19 in eligible residents aged 18 to 49. By BCCDC

And with a third Omicron-variant wave expected to peak in August, patients across the province are seeking out ways to get a fourth COVID-19 shot elsewhere, including the United States.

Eric Cadesky, a family physician and former president of the Doctors of B.C., said he has patients who aren’t eligible for the fourth shot but are trying to get one abroad.

"There are people who have gotten their third dose who are now seeing that they are past six months and they’re saying: 'Well, I thought that I was supposed to be getting a booster now — why can't I?'" Cadesky said.

He said some of his patients have arranged their summer travel around getting a fourth dose in another country.

"I think people in British Columbia can see their friends and relatives in other provinces and other countries who have already received a fourth dose and they’re wondering when their turn is going to be."

Among people eligible for fourth shots in B.C. are those age 70 and older and those at high risk of serious illness, with health officials saying that needs to be the priority for now.

But in Ontario, for example, a fourth shot is available to everyone age 60 and older.

B.C. health minister Adrian Dix said he is concerned about the approximately 1.4 million people who have not had their third shot, given that subvariants continue to mutate and spread, although hospitalization of people with COVID continues to decline.

"If you're eligible for a fourth dose, get your fourth dose today," said Dix.

"If you haven't got your second dose for some reason, get your second dose today. And if for some reason after all of this, you haven’t got your first dose, get your first dose today because this is serious business."

Dix didn’t directly address the current COVID wave, but said the health ministry is planning for a wave in the fall and the "pressure on the acute-care system," as it coincides with flu season.

Vaccine clinic

If you're looking to get a shot against COVID-19, Fraser Health has a clinic in Coquitlam for all eligible Tri-City residents.

Authority nurses and staff are set up inside the Poirier Admin Building (640 Poirier St.) booking and delivering vaccinations against the virus, as well as other diseases.

The clinic is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This officially became the main operation in the region when Fraser Health closed its drive-thru clinic at Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Station at the end of May in order to meet the remaining demand for first, second and third doses against COVID-19.

Parents and guardians looking to get their child protected can also visit the clinic.

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

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 Cindy E. Harnett, Times Colonist