Skip to content

More than 22K Penticton residents vaccinated

More than 35,000 people jabbed in South Okanagan so far
25082484_web1_210512-PWN-VaccinationRates_1
Penticton Western News editor Monique Tamminga got her Astra Zeneca vaccine on Monday, May 3, 2021 at a Penticton pharmacy. Vaccines and appointments are available at most Penticton pharmacies this week.

More than 22,000 Penticton residents have been vaccinated as of end of day, Tuesday May 4.

According to data from the BC Centre for Disease 20,677 had a first dose and 1,323 had received a second dose.

Since last week, Penticton pharmacies have been vaccinating using the Astra Zeneca doses. There are a lot of available doses should anyone over the age of 30 want to book an appointment.

The Penticton local health area, according to the provincial government’s population estimates, has 46,664 people spread out from Penticton to Naramata and Kaleden.

The Oliver vaccination rate is 4,801 residents, Osoyoos 2,956, Summerland 4,711 and Keremeos is at 2,107 residents vaccinated.

Everyone over 18 in B.C. is eligible to register for a vaccination.

COVID-19 cases have more than doubled in Summerland in the last week. In that community, three of the four schools have had COVID-19 exposures.

READ MORE: Summerland has highest cases per capita

In Penticton, cases have remained steady at 34 for last week. The Penticton Indian Band is experiencing an outbreak with 19 cases.

Despite the increased vaccination rates recently, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced last week that there will be no events held this summer, big or medium.

“I can say there is not likely to be big events of any sort, even outdoors, through this summer and into the fall or winter of next year,” Henry said.

However, Henry said that sped up vaccine deliveries – with one million doses of Pfizer alone expected in May – could allow for some celebrations.

READ MORE: No big events for summer



monique.Tamminga@pentictonwesternnews.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
Read more