COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Manitoba Inuit

Manitoba Inuit Association is working with the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada to ensure Inuit in Manitoba can access the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

Appointment scheduling for April 26^th Inuit Vaccine Clinic #1 Begins April 17^th

All households who Pre-Registered by April 16^th at 5:00pm will receive an email appointment time and additional information including the COVID-19 consent form, parking/transportation, childcare and the vaccine check-list.

Inuit vaccine clinic: Manitoba Inuit Association, 1000 Notre Dame Avenue

When: April 26th 9:00am to 3:00pm

Household contacts should watch for an email for more information on appointment times for all eligible household members. Households will be scheduled to come at the same time.

** If you Pre-Registered by April 16^th, and do not get an email, please check your junk mail (in case the email was rejected by your server). Or contact: Judy Clark at Manitoba Inuit Association at judy.clark@manitobainuit.ca to learn more.

Pre-Register for MIA Vaccine Clinic #2, to be held on May 24^th, 2021 (First Dose only)

If you missed the April 26^th clinic, you can Pre-Register for MIA's next clinic to be held on May 24^th for Inuit households to access their first COVID-19 vaccine.

Please Pre-Register for our May 24^th clinic by May 10^th, and MIA will be in touch with you shortly afterward to schedule your first COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to the eligibility guidelines set by the Province for our Clinic.

Vaccine Pre-Registration ONLINE (Fastest Option)
OR
Call 204-774-6848 between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday

For more information on COVID-19 immunization and the latest general eligibility criteria published by the Government of Manitoba -- visit #PROTECTMB

Read on to learn more!

• Is the Vaccine Right for You? Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Respecting Inuit Culture of Inclusion

Is the Vaccine Right for You?
Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines

Many governments, Indigenous, and Inuit organizations have developed materials to help you make a decision about the vaccine. We have listed many useful resources for you to conduct your own research here.

It is YOUR choice. Please get informed about the vaccine.

• Manitoba Government Question and Answer on Vaccines: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/faq.html
• Government of Canada Video about Vaccine Safety: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-19-how-vaccines-developed.html?utm_source=pdf-link&utm_medium=vaccine-toolkit-healthcare-pro&utm_content=tab4-en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-covid-20-21
• Ottawa - Tungasuuvingat Inuit Video about how the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work (:48) www.facebook.com/467184610123628/videos/750137375929214
• Government of NWT (Inuvialuit served by NWT): Nurse explains the vaccine process in a 3:25 video: https://youtu.be/9VQMQKKyfEc
• Government of Nunavut - general vaccine information, including Q and A: www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination
• Kativik Regional Board of Health and Social Service (Nunavik region): Testimonials from 6 Inuit who have received the vaccine: www.facebook.com/NunavikHealthBoard/photos/pcb.4461375233889160/4461371527222864
• Maad'ookiing Mshkiki-Sharing Medicine: A video on Vaccine Hesitation & Benefits of Getting Vaccinated. (28:29)
  Indigenous Elders, doctors and family discuss the vaccine, and the importance of listening to everyone to make a decision. https://youtu.be/avWkhcjxPUA

Respecting Inuit Culture of Inclusion

Respecting Elders: Inuit Elders are at greater risk of severe outcomes from contracting COVID-19. No matter where older Inuit live in Manitoba, we all wish to ensure our Elders have early access to the vaccine if they choose to be vaccinated. Our Elders hold the key to Inuit culture and knowledge and we must prioritize them in accessing the vaccine.

Inuit household inclusion: A key part of being an Inuk living in Manitoba is recognizing that our families often include non-Inuit. We are proud of our inclusive families -- where we take care of each other no matter if we are Inuit or non-Inuit.

At our April 26^th clinic, MIA's Winnipeg Inuit-specific clinic, we will encourage households to come at the same time to get their vaccine. The advantage of a household approach will encourage Inuit to get vaccinated, while also solving booking and transportation challenges to Inuit in the Winnipeg region.

Inuit Societal Values (ISV) inform our approach to advocating for, and planning for access to vaccines for Inuit in Manitoba, specifically:

• Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: Respecting others, relationships and caring for people.
• Tunnganarniq: Fostering good spirits by being open, welcoming and inclusive.
• Pijitsirniq: Serving and providing for family and/or community.