The Chief of Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc is asking band members who have not yet gotten a COVID-19 vaccine to get on the waiting list for the next clinic as soon as possible.
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says about 30 per cent of band members have been vaccinated at this time.
“To get herd immunity in the community, we must have at least 70 per cent of our members vaccinated,” she said. “Also, if you have had your first shot, remember that that does not mean that you have full immunity. Even with two vaccines, you still need to uphold all the normal COVID safety precautions.”
The First Nations Health Authority says all residents of First Nations communities in the province have been offered a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“It is a sad truth that First Nations communities and Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus,” Dr. Shannon McDonald, the Acting Chief Medical Health Officer of the FNHA said, in a statement. “It is only through the commitment of so many that we are celebrating this important milestone today.”
Q’wemstin Health Society Health Director Colleen Lebourdais previously told NL News the health society got 520 doses of the Moderna vaccine which was expected to last until this past Monday, March 26, with the assurance that more would be available, if needed.
The band previously said members who live off-reserve can start getting vaccinated as of March 26. Further TteS staff who are non members were scheduled to be able get vaccinated started yesterday, as long as there is enough vaccine supply.
“Remember that COVID spreads primarily through social interactions,” Casimir said, heading into the Easter weekend. “We particularly want to encourage our members that are age 20 to 39 to do their part and stay home to keep your families and your community safe. We see a rise in the COVID infections in this age group.”
“Please be part of the solution and do your best to stay home and limit social interaction for the next three weeks so we can bring the case count down again.”
Tk’emlúps band members can call the Q’wemstin Health Society at 250-314-6732 to book an appointment. Interior Health also says Indigenous people over the age of 18 can also call 1-877-740-7747 to book a vaccine appointment.
