COVID-19 vaccines in Indigenous peoples
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COVID-19 vaccinations underway
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. Indigenous organizations, doctors, nurses and Indigenous leaders have been involved in planning for COVID-19 vaccine mobilization.
COVID-19 vaccine uptake data reported to and by Indigenous Services Canada now excludes uptake in Inuit and territorial communities as data updates from territorial and regional governments have not been publicly available since mid-2022.
Vaccination in numbers
As of July 4, 2023:
- 944,707 doses have been administered in First Nations communities, of which 351,916 were second doses and 142,719 were third doses
- Over 93% of individuals aged 12+ years residing in First Nations communities have received a second dose, while nearly 40% have received a third dose
- Over 53% of children aged 0 to 17 residing in First Nations communities have received at least 1 dose
To find out more about the progress in administration of vaccines:
Indigenous children and youth
- On July 14, 2022 Health Canada authorized the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for use in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. Provinces and territories will be rolling out vaccination programs for this age group soon. Please check your provincial, territorial or local health authority website for info on when the vaccine will be available in your area.
- On November 19, 2021, Health Canada authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine made for children aged 5 to 11.
- Even though your children may be young and healthy, vaccination is still an important step towards reducing the spread of COVID-19 and getting back to normal activities. The faster we can all get vaccinated, the faster we can play sports, participate in ceremonies and see friends and family
- The vaccine for young children has a smaller dose than the vaccine for those 12 and up. This is because healthy children have a stronger immune system than youth and adults. In clinical trials, lower doses provided children with very good protection against COVID-19
- Children and youth can contract COVID-19 and sometimes become very sick or experience long-term symptoms
- Some reasons for getting your child vaccinated are:
- children can still contract COVID-19 and the variants. It does not matter how old your children are
- they are less likely to experience severe symptoms or hospitalization if they ever did get COVID-19
- Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine has been tested and is shown to be effective and generally safe. Serious health events after immunization are rare
- By getting a COVID-19 vaccine, your children will help to protect themselves, Elders and others in the family, community and at school.
- Risk of severe complications is much greater if your children catch COVID-19 when compared to the rare risks of a severe reaction after vaccination, especially with the new variants
- Wanting to make informed choices for your children is natural. There is no evidence that any vaccines, including those for COVID-19, will affect your child's ability to have children in the future
To find out more:
- Vaccines for children: COVID-19
- Kids help phone: we're here for you during COVID-19
- COVID-19 resources for youth, students and young adults
- First Nations of Quebec and Labrador health and social services commission: Charles Philippe Vincent's testimony
- COVID-19 awareness activities for Indigenous kids
- Ways to reduce fear of needles and pain from needles
- Public service announcements: COVID-19 vaccination for kids
Indigenous peoples in urban communities
- 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
- supporting partners to have vaccination locations that are welcoming and accessible to Indigenous peoples
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis, regardless of where they live, can 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:
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
Vaccines prevent infection, hospitalization, admission in an intensive care unit (ICU) and death. ISC supports all First Nations, Inuit and Métis to receive the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and communities.
Find out more at:
Latest news
Crossing borders
For updated travel information, visit:
Vaccination
- Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated
- Vaccines for COVID-19: What to expect at your vaccination
- Approved COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19: pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn
- Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 Vaccine Plan executive summary
- Vaccine community innovation challenge: funding recipients
- Vaccine Injury Support Program
- Public service announcements about COVID-19 vaccines