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. This page will be updated when 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 2 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.
Latest
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 the approval process for new vaccines.
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
Indigenous Services Canada encourages all First Nations, Inuit and Métis to receive the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and communities.
Resources on COVID-19 vaccines
| Resource name | Also available in | Format |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations Health Authority: Facts about COVID-19 vaccines | not applicable | Poster |
| First Nations Health Authority: What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines | not applicable | Webpage |
| Cree Board of Health and Social services of James Bay: COVID-19 | not applicable | Video and frequently asked questions |
| Government of Manitoba: COVID-19 vaccines | not applicable | Webpage |
| Government of Nunavut: About the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | Webpage | |
| Government of Yukon: COVID-19 vaccine strategy | not applicable | Webpage |
| Government of Canada: What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine | ||
| Government of Canada: COVID-19: How vaccines are developed | not applicable | Video |
| Make sure you know the facts about COVID-19 vaccination | not applicable | Poster |
Related links
- Vaccinations in your province or territory
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization: Guidance on the prioritization of initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
- COVID-19 and Indigenous communities