Disturbing new numbers show that in some areas of Metro Vancouver the number of kids getting vaccinated has fallen to surprisingly low levels, increasing the risk of an outbreak.
University of British Columbia researchers surveyed vaccination rates among kindergarten students across Metro Vancouver and found that some of the lowest rates were found in more affluent areas such as North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
Immunization rates of 90 per cent or above are needed to achieve “herd immunity” within a community or school. Some communities, like Richmond, achieved that. But other communities fell well short of the number needed to protect those who are – for various reasons – unable to get vaccinated themselves.