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By Jaryn Vecchio

Low Vaccine Rates

PAGC First Nations seeing extremely low vaccine rates

Sep 27, 2021 | 3:19 PM

First Nations among the Prince Albert Grand Council are seeing very low COVID-19 vaccine rates.

As of mid-September, 57 per cent of eligible residents have gotten one dose while 33 per cent have received both.

That’s according to the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, an organization comprised of the PAGC, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

These numbers are well below the provincial average which sits at nearly 80 per cent for first doses and over 60 per cent for the second.

Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, medical health officer for NITHA, believes the numbers are low because of all the misinformation being shared on social media.

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“There’s a lot of pride and fear or concerns about the safety of the vaccine and how effective it is and a whole lot of myths,” he told paNOW.

These communities have also reportedly seen low rates for other booster shots as well, such as the annual influenza dose.

Ndubuka notes, like every community, there are individuals who have these preconceived notions of all vaccines.

“No matter what you say or do, they will not get the vaccination,” he said.

Efforts are underway to try to raise the numbers.

This includes addressing concerns and sharing information with people one-on-one, sharing fact-based videos on different social media platforms, and offering incentives such as money and opportunities to win prizes.

One of the bigger focuses is on families with young children who can’t get the shot themselves.

“Make parents understand that they have a moral obligation to also protect their own children by getting their two doses,” Ndubuka said.

Right now, those under the age of 12 can’t get any of the approved vaccines.

However, Pfizer and BioNTech believe their vaccine is safe for those between the ages of 5 and 11 after conducting clinical trials.

The low rates are also playing a big role in the rise in COVID-19 cases across northern Saskatchewan.

As of Sept. 26, there are 249 active cases in communities overseen by NITHA with 14 of these individuals being treated in hospital.

Ndubuka claims the majority are unvaccinated.

There are also 11 active outbreaks in different northern First Nations.

Meanwhile, the leader of Saskatchewan’s NDP and official opposition wants to see the provincial government do more to help with the low numbers.

Ryan Meili was in P.A. last week where he met with health workers and community leaders about the COVID-19 pressure that is pushing the region’s health system to the brink.

He wants to see the province step up in different ways.

“Helping overcome those barriers to access with mobile clinics… lotteries or other rewards for people who are going out and getting their vaccine,” Meili said.

Last week, Premier Scott Moe pushed the blame for the low numbers on the federal government.

“Our Far North and Indigenous communities are running at a vaccination rate of less than 50 per cent, an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction,” he said.

This comment didn’t sit well with some including the PAGC who claim the province ‘did not distribute the vaccine in what was perceived as a fair manner.’

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow