Communication resources for community health and safety
Communications resources on topics related to community health and safety that can be shared with or adapted to your community.
On this page
About the resources
If you are receiving enquiries from people who have questions about community safety, such as: vaccines and the measures to contain COVID-19, this resources page may help you:
- answer some of those questions
- direct people to the right sources of information
This page contains:
- communication resources that can be shared with or adapted to your community
- information shared by local public health, community health directors and other trusted sources within your community
The advice and examples provided here have been developed with the understanding that each community is unique in the way it shares information with its members. Communities are encouraged to adapt the messages and strategies to meet the needs of their members.
Mental wellness resources
Resources and public service announcements focusing on maintaining mental wellness during challenging times.
Resources
Indigenous Services Canada resources:
Additional resources:
- Mental wellness and COVID-19: Tips and considerations (from the Assembly of First Nations) (PDF)
- COVID-19: Taking care of your mental health
COVID-19 vaccines communications
COVID-19 vaccine posters are available in various Indigenous languages:
Social media promotional materials
These images can be used to complement your social media content.
Book your booster today
Keep up your COVID immunity
Sick of COVID? Get your booster when eligible
What is a variant?
Variants are mutations of the virus that cause COVID-19. Variants are still considered to be COVID-19, but just different versions of the original virus.
Should I worry about the variants?
Some variants can spread more quickly and easily than the original virus. The risks of severe complications or death are much greater if you get COVID-19 than the risks of having a severe reaction after getting vaccinated, especially with the new variants.
How can I protect myself?
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants is the same way you protect yourself from the original virus. Wear a multi-layered mask (where mandated) that fits well, wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, stay home if you feel sick and get vaccinated.
Can I get the vaccine if I'm pregnant?
Deciding whether to get the vaccine when you're pregnant or thinking of having a baby can be a difficult choice to make. There's so much information online that it can get a bit overwhelming. Here are some facts to help you make your decision:
- Based on current data, there are no safety concerns for you or your baby with the COVID-19 vaccine
- If you get COVID-19 while pregnant and unvaccinated, it can be very dangerous to your health and that of your baby
- The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding get an mRNA vaccine (such as Pfizer or Moderna)
Will the vaccine affect my fertility?
Fact:
- The vaccine doesn't affect your reproductive organs, so it won't prevent you from becoming pregnant. It will only tell your body to produce an immune response when it's exposed to the COVID-19 virus
Why do I need a booster dose?
Have you ever asked yourself, "Why do I need a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?"
If so, here are some facts to help you answer this question:
- Even after being fully vaccinated, your immunity to the virus decreases over time. A booster dose will increase your body's immune response and improve your protection against COVID-19
- With COVID-19 variants, a booster dose will also help protect you from severe COVID-19 illness
If you're eligible, it's important to get a booster dose as soon as possible.
Help boost their protection
Did you know, a recommendation from a health care professional can increase vaccination rates?
Do your patients know that over time the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines can decrease?
Talk to your patients today about the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 booster shot.
On the image, a nurse asks her patient: Have you received your COVID-19 booster, if you are eligible?
Additional resources on COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 resources for social media
- After you get your COVID-19 vaccine (First Nations Health Authority)
- Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination (Métis Nation British Columbia)
- It's important to get a booster dose as soon as you're eligible
- The vaccines are recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Video resources on COVID-19 vaccines
- Help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Inuit communities
- COVID-19 and Indigenous Communities
- Side effects explained
- COVID-19 vaccine safety
- COVID-19 variants of concern
- COVID-19 variants of concern explained
- How COVID-19 vaccines work
- Vaccination if you have tested positive for COVID-19
- Ask the experts video series: COVID-19 vaccines questions
- COVID-19: How vaccines are developed
- Ask a Scientist: Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my fertility?
My Vaxx Journey
The Indigenous Youth Working Group on Vaccine Uptake, in partnership with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), has launched the My Vaxx Journey campaign. This initiative aims to encourage Indigenous youth aged 12 to 29 to share relatable videos about their pandemic experiences and vaccine journeys, in hopes of building vaccine confidence.
Indigenous youth voices matter!
Get your kicks! Giveaway
Each youth that submits a video and meets the official giveaway terms and conditions has a chance to win name brand basketball shoes. Youth must sign a consent form with their video submission.
The deadline to submit a video is currently July 31, 2022 at midnight central time. The official closing date will be posted on myvaxxjourney.ca and on social media.
Use the hashtags #MyVaxxJourney and #COVIDKicks to share the Get your kicks! video campaign and giveaway with Indigenous youth in your community.
Visit, follow and share the My Vaxx Journey social media pages and website to view the amazing stories already submitted by Indigenous youth:
- Facebook: @MVJ_IndigenousYouth
- Instagram: @myvaxxjourney
- Twitter: @myvaxxjourney
- TikTok: @myvaxxjourney
- YouTube: My Vaxx Journey
Additional resources for youth on COVID-19 vaccines
- Treaties 6, 7 and 8 First Nations Youth COVID-19 video project: Protect Your Community
- Indigenous Community Resources (BC Centre for Disease Control)
- Dr. Ibrahim Khan: Variants of concern
- Personal Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Testimonial from Charles Philippe Vincent (not available in English)
- Six Nations COVID-19 podcast series vaccine webinar
Trusted social media sources
Stay connected to our social media accounts and the Public Health Agency of Canada social media accounts:
Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
- account name: Healthy Canadians
- handle name: @HealthyCdns
Also, consider following Dr. Theresa Tam on Twitter at @CPHO_Canada.
COVID-19 and travel
Resources and information on COVID-19 travel steps and restrictions.
Respecting personal choice
Social media promotional materials
These images can be used to complement your social media content.
A personal choice
With spring around the corner and restrictions lifting, you may wonder: "how can I continue to protect myself and my loved ones?"
Continue to practice individual public health measures:
- wear a mask
- improve indoor ventilation
- wash your hands
- use caution in indoors or crowded spaces
- clean frequently touched areas
- if eligible, get vaccinated
Download the graphic for Continue to practice individual public health measures
Before attending events, think about the number of people going and go prepared.
It is normal to be anxious about the restrictions lifting.
Be kind to those around you. Don't assume someone's level of comfort, ask them instead. Here is an example:
Person 1: would you prefer if I kept distance between us?
Person 2: yes, thank you for asking.
Radio public service announcements
Radio script below has been drafted to remind community members to be respectful of other's personal choice with lifting restrictions.
30-second radio script
Spring is a time of transition and a season for new beginnings.
With restrictions being lifted, it's okay to feel anxious.
Remember to be kind, understanding and respectful of others' personal choices.
Before socializing with friends and family, make it a habit to ask others about their level of comfort.
Continue to protect yourself and others by practicing multiple public health measures and if eligible, get vaccinated.
For more information, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus-info-indigenous
Public health measures
Resources and information below can be used to promote the many ways to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Radio public service announcements
Radio script below has been drafted to remind community members to be respectful of other's personal choice with lifting restrictions.
30-second radio script
To protect yourself from COVID-19, consider applying all public health measures.
Remember to:
- stay home if you're feeling sick
- improve indoor airflow by opening windows when possible
- wear a mask when recommended
- practice physical distancing
- wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer often
If you haven't already, get vaccinated and when eligible, get a booster dose.
Help stop the spread of COVID-19, hospitalizations and deaths.
To find out more, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus-info-indigenous
60-second radio script
To protect yourself from COVID-19, consider applying all public health measures.
Remember to:
- stay at home if you're feeling sick
- follow local public health guidance
- improve indoor airflow by opening windows when possible
- wear a mask when recommended
- practice physical distancing
- wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer often
- cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow
The best way to keep you and your community safe is by getting vaccinated while applying all other public health measures.
If you haven't already, get vaccinated including a booster dose as soon as you are eligible. Help stop the spread of COVID-19, hospitalizations and deaths.
To find out more, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus-info-indigenous
Resources for parents
Learning resources about COVID-19 vaccines for parents with young children.
Online resources
- Talk to a Doc with Dr. Danièle Behn Smith: Should I get my child vaccinated?
- COVID-19 vaccine superhero: Jesse's story (BC Centre for Disease Control)
- COVID-19 Tool For Kids (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami)
- COVID-19 awareness activities for Indigenous kids
- Facts about COVID-19 vaccines for kids
- Common sides effects children might experience after getting the COVID-19 vaccines (YouTube video)
- Vaccinating children against COVID-19
Activities for kids
Teach your kids how they can protect themselves and their family against COVID-19 through interactive activities below.
Book your booster today
Colour the nurse and the child who just got their COVID-19 vaccine.
Download the PDF for Book your booster today
Keep up your COVID-19 immunity
Colour the teddy bear who just got their COVID-19 vaccine.
Download the PDF for Keep up your COVID-19 immunity
Protect yourself and your family
Circle the ways you can protect yourself and your family from the COVID-19 virus.
Download the PDF for Protect yourself and your family
Assembly of 7 Generations
The Assembly of 7 Generations is working to raise awareness on COVID-19 and vaccines among Indigenous youth across Canada. The information on their Instagram account can be re-shared to your community social media platforms.
Check out their webinars:
Other resources
To find other resources developed by Indigenous organizations or in Indigenous languages, visit:
How to access personal protective equipment for your community
Other resources developed by the Government of Canada:
- Awareness resources
- In Plains Cree: Coronavirus âhkosiwin (COVID-19): Aswêyihtamowin âpacihcikana
- In Eastern Ojibwe: Corono manijooshens aakoziwin (COVID-19): Gikendamowin nikaaziwinan
Provincial and territorial resources: