Child immunization rates are declining across Interior Health.
Data from December 31, 2023 showed that only 56.3% of seven-year-olds were fully vaccinated, far below the 70% target needed to prevent the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, the vaccination rate for 2-year-olds has fallen to 68.5%, significantly lower than the target of 90%. Interest rates on Thompson Caribou Shuswaps, including 100 Mile House, are 58.6% for 7-year-olds and 68.7% for 2-year-olds.
With this data, Interior Health is reminding parents of the importance of keeping their children’s immunizations up to date to avoid high rates of unvaccinated or under-immunized children. reminded me.
“Interior Health is taking steps to help busy families keep their children up-to-date on immunizations,” said Dr. Martin Lavoie, IH Chief Medical Health Officer, on February 15th. said in a press release issued Thursday. More than a dozen illnesses can be severe and can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, death. ”
Vaccination is important to prevent the spread of potentially deadly diseases. There was a measles outbreak in the UK this year due to low vaccination rates.
Interior Health itself has reported several cases of whooping cough over the past six months. Death from this disease is rare, but most commonly occurs in infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
This drop in vaccinations is due to a variety of questions and concerns raised by misinformation about vaccines online, parents with limited time in their daily schedules, or simply forgetting to make appointments. It is believed that there is. Interior Health noted that most parents believe vaccines are safe and effective.
To increase vaccination rates, Interior Health plans to establish additional vaccination clinics at local community health centers. It is also providing mobile vaccination services to certain rural areas, but has not specified which areas.
Interior Health is also encouraging both students in grades 10-12 and the general public to ask their local public health nurse if they have any questions about the vaccine.
“Many people have questions, and rightly so. As medical professionals, we want to ensure everyone understands the potential side effects, the effectiveness of the vaccine, and the consequences of not getting vaccinated. , we are here to help families make informed decisions,” said Dr. Fatemeh Sabet, IH Medical Health Officer.
A new awareness campaign called their best shot It was released using testimonies from local health workers and parents. It aims to highlight the safety and effectiveness of childhood immunizations and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases. One of the people featured in the campaign is Kelowna public health nurse and her mother, Ashley Stone.
“We want parents to know where they can find accurate information to make informed decisions, and that they can always contact public health agencies with questions or concerns. We’re here to help,” Stone said.
Childhood vaccinations are free. Caregivers can make an appointment at South Caribou Health Center’s 100 Mile Her House by calling 250-395-7676. Childhood and adolescent immunization schedules are available at immunizebc.ca.
Interior Health encourages anyone with questions about vaccination to visit the campaign at innerhealth.ca/theirbestshot.