First Nations Health Authority pushes for booster shots for B.C. Indigenous communities
COVID-19 cases have been climbing in Indigenous communities across B.C., including a recent spike in Ahousaht, B.C., amplifying calls for booster shots from the First Nations Health Authority.
Dr. Shannon McDonald is the chief medical officer for the FNHA, she says there are now more than 700 active cases amongst First Nations communities, a notable increase from August. “Six weeks now we've seen a significant increase among our communities,” said McDonald.
Adding to the concern is the fact that many of these cases are happening to First Nations people who have both vaccine doses — a stark contrast to the data for the general population.
“Things are different in First Nations right now,” said McDonald Tuesday. “We are finding that up to 25 to 30 per cent in some cases, on any day, are individuals that have been vaccinated,”
“One potential factor contributing to this difference is that because First Nations people were prioritized for their first shots, and many got their second dose within a shorter interval than other British Columbians as the vaccine rollout plans were adjusted, the protection of those early vaccines for many First Nations people may wearing off,” she said.
It’s a theory the province’s top doctor, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says make sense. “Things we've learned is that the longer interval gives you stronger and longer lasting protection,” said Henry on Tuesday.
Another concern for First Nations at the moment is that a lower percentage of Indigenous people in B.C. have been vaccinated than the rest of B.C.'s eligible population.
In Alert Bay, B.C., where there was an outbreak early in the pandemic amongst the Namgis First Nation, Chief Don Svanvik says he’s not aware of any active cases now.
Still, he says there are members of his community who are vaccine hesitant, and he’s speaking out to encourage everyone, Indigenous or not, to get vaccinated.
Svanvik encourages people to talk to health professionals or doctors if they have any concerns about the vaccines or their side effects, but says he’s confident they are safe.
“This has got to be one of the most studied vaccines ever,” he said Tuesday.
The FNHA wants to see all Indigenous people in B.C. get a booster shot soon. “I would prefer that it be a blanket statement about the vulnerability of First Nations,” she said. “It is well reflected in our data.”
Henry says talks are underway to address the issue, on both the provincial and federal levels.
“We are looking at whether booster doses are needed across the board, not only for Indigenous people here B.C., but across Canada,” she said. Henry says more details will be announced about booster shots for Indigenous people and other groups in the next two to three weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city, marking the first franchise in Canada
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Federal government bans watercraft from Manitoba lake popular with tourists
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.