(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
September 06, 2021 - 3:09 PM
Roughly half of Thompson Okanagan students have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in time to return to the classroom.
In the Central Okanagan, 55% of students between the ages of 12 to 17 have received their second jab, according to B.C. Centre for Disease Control data, but 69% have received their first shot.
In Penticton, 59% of students ages 12 to 17 have received their second dose and 72% have their first shot. In Kamloops, 56% have got their second vaccination, while 70% have their first shot.
Vernon currently has the lowest vaccination rate in the Thompson Okanagan with 52% of students receiving their second dose and only 65% having their first shot.
This past Friday, Interior Health announced it would be holding vaccination clinics at schools for staff and students. The clinics will be available in the health authority throughout September.
“The government has mandated mask-wearing in schools for adults and students in Grades 4 and up, but that’s not enough to keep everyone safe," said B.C. Teachers Federation President Teri Mooring, in a statement published Sept. 1.
"Parents, we need your help to protect all students in B.C.’s K–12 learning environments. This means ensuring your child gets vaccinated if they are eligible and supporting a culture of mask-wearing for all students who are able, including those in Kindergarten to Grade 3," he said.
Mooring also encouraged everyone to get vaccinated to help protect students who are not yet eligible for a vaccine. Vaccines are currently being offered to those ages 12 and older.
Students return to school Tuesday, Sept. 7.
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