Child immunization rates well below recommended level in the Interior

Interior Health says immunization levels in area children are well below where they should be.

The health authority stated that, as of Dec. 31, 2023, just 56.3 per cent of seven year olds in the Interior were immunized, while 68.5 per cent of two-year-olds were up to date on their vaccinations.

Those are both below the recommended rates of 70 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively, that are necessary to prevent disease transmission.

The Okanagan had the lowest rates of any area within the Interior, with just 53.2 per cent of seven-year-old children and 68 per cent of two-year-olds having received their shots (IH does not specify what shots are included).

(Image credit: Interior Health)

Interior Health stated the majority of parents believe childhood vaccinations to be safe and effective. However it noted there are many factors that can lead to low rates including concerns or questions sparked by online misinformation, time constraints, and simply forgetting to schedule the appointments.

“Interior Health is taking steps to help busy families get their children’s immunizations up to date,” IH Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Martin Lavoie, said.

“Vaccines give infants and children the best protection from more than a dozen diseases that can be severe, can lead to serious complications, and in some cases can even be fatal.”

In an effort to bolster the childhood vaccination rates, Interior Health will be introducing more immunization services at community health centres, sending mobile immunization services to select rural communities, and piloting a kindergarten clinic in some schools.

Additionally, students in Grades 10 through 12 can drop in to clinics at their schools to get caught up on routine vaccinations they had missed and ask public health nurses questions about the shots.

“Many people have questions – that is understandable,” IH Medical Health Officer, Dr. Fatemeh Sabet, said.

“As health professionals we are here to help everyone understand potential side effects, vaccine effectiveness, and the consequences of not being vaccinated, and help families make informed decisions.”

The health authority will also be launching a new campaign to emphasize the safety and effectiveness of childhood immunizations and the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases, which will include testimonials from regional health professions and parents.

Routine childhood immunizations can be accessed free of charge at a Child Health Clinic or a local public health service.