LAKELAND - Vaccination numbers across most of the Lakeland are now over 60 per cent for nearly every region on the provincial map that tracks vaccination statistics.
The map shows the number of people who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly every region has been changed to a dark orange colour, signifying that the area is now over 60 per cent.
The only area that has not passed the 60 per cent threshold is the Two Hills region. The map shows that 42.3 per cent of people in the area have received their first dose of the vaccine.
Only two other areas of the province - High Level and County of Forty Mile - show lower vaccination rates than the Two Hills region.
Speaking to the Two Hills region specifically, Alberta Health Services spokesperson Kerry Williamson says Public Health has provided multiple COVID appointment-based and drop-in clinics over the last six months. The local pharmacy has also been offering the vaccine to residents in the area.
"As part of influenza clinics, we offered COVID vaccine to eligible clients. We also offered COVID immunization in the fall, to schools that agreed to have public health onsite," explains Williamson.
Right now, AHS is offering weekly pediatric COVID immunization clinics to help offer increased access in the region.
"And, we have reached out to the local Mennonite schools and leadership to offer education and resources to that community," says Williamson.
Vaccination rates in the Lakeland and beyond
In the neighbouring region of St. Paul, the vaccination rate is now 64.2 per cent for all ages. In the Frog Lake region, which also includes part of the County of St. Paul, the rate is 70.1 per cent.
In the Bonnyville area, the vaccination rate is 66 per cent for all ages, and in the nearby Cold Lake area, the rate is 68.6 per cent.
In Lac La Biche, the vaccination rate is 65.7 per cent for all ages, and in the Smoky Lake area it is 69 per cent.
The province's major cities are showing the highest vaccination rates, along with the Canmore and Jasper regions.
As of Dec. 14, 72.3 per cent of the total population is fully vaccinated in Alberta.
