The Q’wemstin Health Society says 50 elders on the Tk’emlúps Indian Band were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Wednesday, the first day it was providing shots to the general public.
QMS Health Director Colleen Lebourdais says there are four nurses available to deliver vaccines.
“We only did a partial day yesterday but now we’ll do full days for the next eight days. And so that means we can do as many as 70 vaccines per day. And that’s just because of our limited space, limited staff. We have to space people out, screen, clean, between each client.”
Lebourdais says each person then has to be observed for 15 minutes – one at a time – in case of any adverse reactions, at the vaccine clinic at Moccasin Square Garden.
She says the health society received 520 of the Moderna doses, which will last until March 26. It’s been assured by Interior Health and the First Nations Health Authority that it will receive more if needed.
“If every person on the band that could qualify for a vaccine wanted a vaccine, that would be closer to 900 doses. And then, out of left field, we got told that we were to include all of the First Nations organizations that are within the boundaries here. And we normally don’t serve all of the First Nations organizations… So that added an extra 200 people to our list.”
Lebourdais encourages all band members to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose, something Chief Rosanne Casimir has also told NL News in recent days.
For QMS staff and elders in Tk’emlúps, in particular, Lebourdais says it is a relief to now have vaccine doses available.
“We always have to remember these communities have a history of experiencing tons of death during the pandemic. So the idea that a pandemic was coming, was terrifying. And for some of the elders it was very scary to think we could be losing people in mass amounts,” she says.
“It’s a culture of connection. You’ll really see that, if you get involved with the communities or you’re around them a lot. They like to be around one another. Grandparents really want their grandchildren around daily. So this has been really hard on their souls, and their spirits. So the vaccine is a huge relief, because there’s huge amounts of loneliness going on.”
Tk’emlúps band members can call the Q’wemtsin Health Society to book an appointment at 250-314-6732. Non band members who live in Sun Rivers or one of the mobile home parks on reserve will have to book a vaccine appointment through Interior Health when it is their turn.
