National

Interior health says parents should ensure kids caught up vaccination

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Feb, 2024 11:04 AM

Interior Health says parents should ensure their kids are caught up with their childhood immunizations, as data shows declining vaccination rates.

Health officials say most parents know that childhood vaccines are safe, but online misinformation and other factors, such as parents simply forgetting, could be factors in the decrease in immunization rates.

Interior Health's chief medical health officer, Dr. Martin Lavoie, says the health authority is working to help family keep their kids' vaccines up-to-date, warning of serious - even fatal - consequences for under- or un-immunized children and infants.

Interior Health says just over 56 per cent of seven-year-olds were immunized as of the end of 2023, below the target of 70 per cent, and the low rates have prompted the health authority to open extra clinics offering immunization services this year.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Health Canada approves Omicron shot

The new shots approved by Health Canada, called bivalent vaccines, are designed to recognize specific mutations in the spike protein of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant. Shipments of the vaccine are expected to arrive in the next few days, and there will be enough supply for all Canadians 18 and older to get a dose this fall and winter, officials said.

Health Canada approves Omicron shot

One man dies in Newtown after an altercation takes place, area blocked off

On Wednesday, at 1:50 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to 14100-block of 61 Avenue after a report of an altercation between two men. Upon arrival police found an adult male in medical distress. Despite all attempts by first responders to save the man’s life, he succumbed to his injuries on scene.

One man dies in Newtown after an altercation takes place, area blocked off

Suspicious incident being investigated in New Westminster

The passenger is described as a South Asian male, 6’0’ tall, medium build, approximately 35 to 40 years old, with a trimmed beard, and wearing a black jacket. There was no description provided for the driver.

Suspicious incident being investigated in New Westminster

Chilliwack RCMP need the public's help in identifying three children involved in suspicious occurrence at Portage Park

The boys are described as approximately eight to ten years old. It is possible that they had a skateboard and a scooter and departed toward Menzies Street. The girl is approximately eight years old. the man involved in Friday’s incident at Portage Park is not believed to be related to a previous report of suspicious activity on Cedar Creek Drive.

Chilliwack RCMP need the public's help in identifying three children involved in suspicious occurrence at Portage Park

B.C. 911 dispatcher union calls for more funding

Emergency Communications Professionals of BC said in a news release that staffing shortages have forced call takers to work "well beyond" their normal hours, which it believes is unsustainable. The temporary provisions are set to expire Sept. 21, while the added mental health supports end in December, the union said.

B.C. 911 dispatcher union calls for more funding

VPD need public's help in resolving a hit and run that ended up killing a dog

“Based on the information collected so far, there is no question the driver of the SUV knew he hit the dog and its owner,” says Constable Jason Doucette. “Luckily the owner suffered only minor injuries, but the loss of one-and-a-half-year-old Tobi has been devastating for the family.”