COVID-19 vaccines and Indigenous peoples
Introduction
The Government of Canada is working to secure safe and effective vaccines to prevent COVID-19. This is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and resuming normal life.
Here is what we know so far.
COVID-19 vaccinations underway
As of April 9, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is aware of:
- 614 communities with vaccinations underway (for either priority groups or all adults) in:
- First Nations and Inuit communities in provinces
- communities in territories
- 274,018 doses have been administered, of that 68,012 were 2nd doses.
To find out more about the progress in administration of vaccines:
Indigenous peoples in urban communities
- First Nations living off reserve, Inuit and Métis are or will receive COVID-19 vaccination through their provincial or territorial health services
- to find out more, please consult your provincial or territorial roll-out plan
- ISC does not administer vaccines in urban communities but we do support current planning efforts
- organizations that may offer more information include:
New resources available:
This page is updated as new information is available.
Some members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities will be able to get vaccinated in the first stage of vaccinations
Now that COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by Health Canada and are becoming available, at-risk groups will be prioritized to receive the vaccines first as they roll out. This is because there will be a limited supply at the beginning.
Some Indigenous communities or members of those communities will be identified as being at increased risk. They will be among the first groups to receive the vaccines. The vaccines will be free.
Learn about at-risk groups.
Planning for Indigenous urban vaccination
- ISC is working closely with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, the National Association of Friendship Centres and other urban community service organizations to support current planning efforts
- This includes:
- identifying challenges and opportunities for increasing vaccination for Indigenous peoples, no matter where they live
- making the vaccines more available in locations that are welcoming and accessible to Indigenous peoples
Latest
- Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines (as of March 16)
- Janssen COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know
- Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 Vaccine Plan executive summary
- AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: what you should know
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: what you should know
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: what you should know
- Canada's COVID-19 Immunization Plan
Vaccines are safe and will protect you, your family and your community
- Vaccination is a personal choice. Public health experts agree it helps prevent serious disease.
- Vaccines are safe. They protect you and those around you from preventable diseases.
- National Indigenous organizations, some national Indigenous health organizations and Indigenous leaders have been involved in planning for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Indigenous communities.
- Learn about:
Why vaccinate against COVID-19
By getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be protected and will help prevent the spread of the virus to those who may be more likely to contract it, such as:
- Elders and older adults
- residents and staff of long-term care homes
- people with certain medical conditions where infection could cause severe illness and death
ISC encourages all First Nations, Inuit and Métis to receive the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and communities.