BC Assembly of First Nations calls for vaccine booster shots
Posted October 23, 2021 4:39 pm.
Last Updated October 23, 2021 4:43 pm.
As infections and deaths mount, First Nations leaders in B.C. are hoping their communities will be next to receive COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
But the shots might not come fast enough for struggling territories, say representatives of the BC Assembly of First Nations. This is an emergency situation, they say, pointing to the rising infection rates and break-though cases in several communities as reasons why the boosters are needed there.
“The vaccine program started December 29, 2020, but now First Nations leaders are becoming increasingly concerned as case numbers continue to climb within their communities. First Nations leaders have taken action by implementing lockdown measures to slow and try to stop infections,” reads the assembly’s statement.
The Lake Babine Nation near Burns Lake is under a state emergency until early November — meaning there will be no non-essential travel or gatherings across its five communities until Nov. 5. The Ucluelet First Nation also confirmed an outbreak, expressing concerns about protecting elders from COVID-19.
Remote, northern BC First Nation asks for third dose shots immediately after two covid deaths in two weeks and four elders test positive #boosterdose pic.twitter.com/iiG2WyZ3aD
— Meera Bains ???? (@Meerakati) October 23, 2021
Six members of Babine Lake First Nation have died and two have passed away in two weeks in Wet’suwet’en territory.
BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee says he’s witnessing high rates of infection.
“Despite vaccination efforts earlier this year and public health measures we are experiencing high rates of infections and break through cases in this fourth wave of the pandemic. It is time for the booster shot,” he said.
“I understand that BC health officials are working on a plan for the booster vaccine, but we are alarmed and are urging quick action as the situation is becoming an emergency. It has now been approximately seven months since many First Nations in B.C. received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
He says he was disappointed to receive word that booster shots won’t be coming until the new year.
Starting Monday, people who are 50 and older in Saskatchewan’s communities will be eligible for a booster.
