CFJC Today file image
VACCINATION RATES

Interior Health region on track to surpass 60 per cent vaccination mark before May long weekend

May 20, 2021 | 4:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — May long weekend festivities will be subdued, but Interior Health is celebrating positive news on the immunization front. The region will surpass its vaccination goal ahead of the holiday weekend.

According to Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton, nearly 55,000 people in Kamloops have been given their first doses, with more than 3,000 second doses given out.

“I’ve just learned that we are on a track to hit that 60 per cent mark before the long weekend, so we’re doing really well and it’s really exciting to see.”

Vaccination rates are growing, however the province isn’t out of the woods yet and residents are urged to maintain current health restrictions over the holiday weekend.

“Unfortunately, we’re going to have to stay the course and maintain all of the prevention measures through the weekend,” says Dr. Fenton, “but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Our rates are dropping or staying very low, which is really good to see. Our vaccination rates are going up which gives us that extra layer of protection and we might see some better news coming pretty soon.”

Dr. Fenton notes that while the provincial website may not show it yet, people between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age are also able to register for vaccines.

To register for a first or second dose, click here.