Interior Health is hitting below their target for children immunization for this year by roughly 20 per cent.
They said that there are a variety of reasons for the decrease in rates including concerns or questions from misinformation, limited time with busy schedules, to simply forgetting.
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.”
As of December 31st, 2023, 56.3 per cent of seven-year-olds were immunized, with the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap reaching 58.6, while the goal was to reach 70.
The target set for two-year-olds was 90 per cent, however average was 68.5, and Thompson Cariboo Shuswap going above with 68.7.
To increase awareness, Interior Health will be launching a new campaign that emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of childhood immunizations, and the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases.
More information on child immunization can be found on Interior Health’s website here.