Manitoba officials have provided an update on the plan to begin widespread first-dose immunizations for First Nations communities in the province.
On Friday, Dr. Joss Reimer was joined for the announcement alongside Dr. Marcia Anderson, public health lead of the Manitoba First Nation Pandemic Response Coordination Team.
Dr. Anderson says First Nations communities at risk of flooding, fire, or losing winter road access will be prioritized first to help ensure those affected by spring or summer emergencies do not have those issues compounded by the pandemic.
“We know First Nations people in Manitoba are more at risk of COVID-19 and at younger ages. In addition, many of these communities may face evacuation due to fires and floods or have geographical issues that make it hard to get there,” said Anderson. “It’s important to get needles into arms as soon as possible and detailed planning is now underway to schedule vaccinations in these communities.”
It is expected that all eligible, consenting adults who live in these prioritized First Nations communities will have received their first dose by mid-May.
