Dr. Shannon McDonald, acting chief medical officer for B.C.'s First Nations Health Authority, said despite vaccine shortages, the plan to immunize First Nation communities is still on track.
Health, Indigenous Nations

Klahoose immunization program continuing to roll out

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The immunization program at a remote First Nations community on Cortes Island, B.C., is continuing to roll out despite the current shortages of COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccine arrived a week late

High-risk populations, such as rural remote Indigenous communities — particularly those that experienced COVID-19 clusters — were among the first slated for vaccinations in February under Stage 1 of the provincial plan.

And the First Nations Health Authority is saying it’s still hopeful to meet the next step of immunizing everyone who wishes to get a shot in all First Nations communities by the end of March.

Klahoose Nation Chief Kevin Peacey said he was relieved when the small community’s promised second doses arrived, if a week later than originally planned.

Nearest hospital two ferry trips away

Cortes, a small island off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, has limited medical facilities, and getting to the nearest hospital involves a two-ferry journey that often can’t be made in wild winter weather.

“There was some worry (the vaccines) wouldn’t make it on time,” Peacey said Wednesday.

The vaccination program out of the Klahoose Health Centre is underway and going well despite the hiccup, Peacey said.

“We hear a lot of our members are jumping at the bit to get in line first,” he said.

“It is frustrating with the delay, but I keep positive that it will all work out in the end.”

Klahoose immunuzation
Klahoose Nation Chief Kevin Peacey, pictured above getting his first Moderna vaccine in January, is excited that promised second doses are arriving in his remote community. Photo courtesy of Chief Kevin Peacey

Delays across Canada

Delays in the delivery of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines across Canada are threatening B.C.’s wider immunization schedule.

Klahoose immunuzation

However, First Nations communities should still be getting a first dose of the vaccine by the end of March as planned, the First Nations Health Authority said Tuesday.

Approximately 16,000 people in 90 First Nations communities have received a first dose of the Moderna vaccine and more doses are en route to another dozen communities, the FNHA said, adding the new shipments may include either first or second doses.

A total of 4,000 of those vaccinations took place in the Island Health region, the FNHA said.

A whole community approach

The FNHA is taking a whole community approach to vaccination —– working to inoculate all adults who wish it, said acting chief medical officer Dr. Shannon McDonald.

A total of 42,000 vaccines are needed to provide a first dose to everyone over the age of 18 in the 203 First Nations communities in B.C., FNHA added.

“Our biggest challenge has been the amount of vaccine,” said McDonald, adding the province is working with the FNHA to provide as many doses as possible.

Links of interest

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