Vaccination rates rising in Prince George

PRINCE GEORGE- As the pandemic continues to intensify with the Omicron variant of concern circling the province, vaccination rates continue to climb in the Prince George area. The BCCDC reports the Prince George Local Health area has the fifth highest rate of fully vaccinated residents 12+ out of all 15 health areas in the North. 83% of PG residents 12+ are fully vaccinated, and 88% are partially vaccinated.

There are five community health service areas across the Prince George region. PG City- Southwest has the highest vaccination rate out of all CHSA’s in the Northern Interior, with 88% of the 12 and up population fully vaccinated. PG City-Central follows closely behind, with 84%, as PG City-North trails behind at 82%.

In terms of third doses, 13% of eligible recipients in both the PG City-North and PG-City Central areas have received their third vaccination. The rate for PG City- Southwest is 12%, and 11% for the PG Southwest Rural area. Recently, the province announced that by early 2022, pharmacies will be deliver the majority of booster shots for everyone eligible through the Get Vaccinated booking system. An additional 700 pharmacies are expected to join the vaccination booster program by mid-January.

Since the pediatric vaccination became available, 22% of children between the ages of 5-11 in the Prince George local heath area have received their first vaccine dose.