COVID-19 in B.C.: Less than 5 per cent of cases are among fully vaccinated people, officials say
Just a small fraction of B.C.'s recent COVID-19 cases are among people who are fully vaccinated, health officials announced Tuesday.
During a morning news conference Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry revealed that less than five per cent of COVID-19 cases are people who have received two vaccine doses. B.C.'s top doctor spoke alongside Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Penny Ballem.
"Ninety-six per cent are people who have received just one dose (or less) or, 78 per cent, are among people who have not been vaccinated at all," Henry said, adding that data shows that people who have received two doses are "significantly less likely to be hospitalized or to have severe illness."
"This compares to the high rate of COVID among unvaccinated but eligible people here in B.C."
Data presented by Henry showed among 176 total people hospitalized because of COVID-19, about 137 people were completely unvaccinated. The median age of those hospitalized was 52, she said.
"This is why it is extremely important that we all get both doses of vaccine," Henry said.
Ballem said according to data collected on July 23, 19.6 per cent of eligible British Columbians remain unvaccinated. Northern and Interior Health authorities have the highest rates of unvaccinated residents, with 32.5 and 26.2 per cent, respectively.
In presenting the data, officials said vaccine distribution must be convenient for residents and announced doses will soon be available at walk-in clinics.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.