Port Moody, along with Anmore and Belcarra, is continuing to see more of its residents electing to receive an extra immunization against COVID-19.
This is especially among the older population as booster doses were first made available to them last year.
As of today (March 2), 73 per cent of eligible Tri-City residents aged 50 and older are triple-vaccinated against the virus, per reconfigured data by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
Port Moody's population in that category — at 76 per cent — is the second-highest among Fraser Health communities.
Port Coquitlam is next in the Tri-City line at 74 per cent among those 50 and up, while Coquitlam sits below the regional average at 72 per cent.
Meanwhile, at the other side of the spectrum, there are noticeable increases among children and adolescents when it comes to vaccinations against COVID-19.
Tri-City kids aged five to 11 saw a near five per cent weekly increase to 33 per cent for second doses.
Adolescents between 12 and 17 have reached a 36 per cent three-dose rate since booster shots became available for the age group Feb. 1, which is the second highest among all Fraser Health sub-regions.
Port Moody leads the category at the 40 per cent threshold; Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam are at 35 and 34 per cent respectively.
Across all booster vaccinations above the age of five, the Tri-Cities has the fourth-highest rate in Fraser Health (55) behind New Westminster (58), South Surrey/White Rock (57) and Burnaby (56).
Health Canada has yet to fully approve third jabs to children aged five to 11, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has recommended them to those classified as immuno-compromised.
The latest surveillance numbers — collected between Feb. 22–28, 2022 — are as follows. Case rates represent new cases per 100,000 people by local health area and community health service area:
North Coquitlam
- Case rate: Four (-1)
- 19 per cent positivity rate
- 65 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
- 87 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 70 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southwest Coquitlam
- Case rate: Three (-2)
- 12 per cent positivity rate
- 62 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
- 90 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 73 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Southeast Coquitlam
- Case rate: Two (-1)
- 13 per cent positivity rate
- 62 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
- 87 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 72 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Coquitlam
- Case rate: Three (-3)
- 12 per cent positivity rate
- 59 per cent of five to 11 population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 90 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with at least one dose
- 86 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 74 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra
- Case rate: Four (-2)
- 15 per cent positivity rate
- 70 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
- 88 per cent of 5+ population vaccinated with a second dose
- 76 per cent of 50+ population vaccinated with a third dose
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
With a few weeks until spring break, some Tri-City residents might be wondering about pandemic restrictions during the student-vacation period.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she's "optimistic" B.C. is moving in the right direction during the current state of COVID-19, but emphasizes that it is still in a "transition" phase.
"We are trying to shift toward personal responsibility and business responsibility," Henry said during a briefing on Tuesday (March 1).
She noted, however, that "we need to be prepared for immunity to wane again," and to adapt new approaches "depending on what we see come in the fall."
The health officer said COVID-19 safety tools, such as physical distancing and face masks, will not be "abandoned" as immunity wanes over time.
VACCINE CLINICS
There are two vaccination clinics against COVID-19 in Coquitlam where residents can book a slot to receive a dose.
The Poirier Forum is open seven days a week between 10:45 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. for first and second doses. Booster shots are available by appointment only.
The Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station's park and ride overflow lot is also open for bookings.
Its operating hours are as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. = Saturdays and Sundays
- Entrance off Mariner Way – east side of Rona. Proceed down the ramp and turn right
- The address will direct you to the main lot on the left but COVID-19 Services are located in the overflow lot to the right
- Do not cut through the Rona parking lot. Please follow the signs
Anyone seeking a vaccine against COVID-19 is 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 on its COVID-19 immunization plan.
- with a file from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
